18 Pinoys caught in Israel and Iran crossfire back home safely — DMW
THE PHILIPPINE government has facilitated the return of 18 Filipinos on their way to work in Israel and Iran after they were stranded at the Dubai International Airport amid missile strikes between the two warring nations on Sunday.
The government is ready to help overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who wish to come home for safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said in a statement on Monday.
“We stand continually ready to assist and support our OFWs who wish to go home for safety and security,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said in the statement.
The DMW’s Migrant Workers Office in Dubai had also helped the stranded OFWs until they were boarded their flights back to the Philippines. They were also given immediate financial assistance.
“The DMW, through its National Reintegration Center for OFWs, will also assist the OFWs for their upskilling and sustainable reintegration, including livelihood assistance or skill training enhancement for redeployment options,” the agency said.
The DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have set up a 24/7 help desk for OFWs and their families in the Middle East affected by the conflict between Israel and Iran.
“The Department urges all OFWs in Israel and Iran to remain indoors and stay alert and stay connected with the Philippine Embassy or Migrant Workers Office in their respective host countries,” it said.
The agency also advised OFWs to refrain from spreading or sharing unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic and confusion.
Jerusalem last week launched a surprise attack on Tehran as it targeted Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile facilities and top commanders.
At least four Filipinos living in Israel were hurt after Iran’s retaliatory strike, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said in a statement.
Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing that the government has a contingency plan in case Filipinos in Iran or Israel have to be evacuated.
“The DFA has assured [us] that there is a contingency plan in place if it is necessary to evacuate Filipinos from Iran,” she said. In Israel, a team had been dispatched to assess the condition of Filipino there, she added.
She also said two of the injured Filipinos in Israel have been discharged.
“The President’s directive to the DFA, DMW and OWWA is to provide immediate assistance to our countrymen,” Ms. Castro said. “No one is left behind.”
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis G. Escudero urged agencies to fast-track the repatriation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran.
“The DFA and DMW should go the extra mile in locating and reaching out to Filipinos in Israel and Iran to determine who wants to get out of the two countries now,” he said in a statement.
“It doesn’t matter if they are legally staying or undocumented,” he said. “What is important is that Filipinos who fear for their safety and want to go home are assisted without delay.”
There are more than 1,000 Filipinos living in Iran and more than 30,000 in Israel.
Meanwhile, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez urged the DMW to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Israel and Iran, as fears that the escalating war could trigger a wider Middle Eastern conflict.
The DMW should consider repatriating Filipinos if tensions in the region escalate further and threaten their safety, he said in a statement.
“We expect our frontline agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and security of our [compatriots], including possible repatriation plans should the situation worsen,” he said. “We are watching these developments with grave concern.”
“No Filipino should be left behind in a time of crisis,” the Speaker said. “The House of Representatives stands in full solidarity with our OFWs and will work closely with our executive agencies to ensure their welfare.” — Adrian H. Halili and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
