Quezon City: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced its readiness to repatriate Filipinos from the Middle East as tensions rise due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. This comes following a heightened alert status announcement prompted by the escalating situation in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Undersecretary Bernard Olalia assured that the DMW, along with Migrant Workers Offices (MWO) and labor attach©s in the region, is on high alert to manage any potential developments. Olalia emphasized that contingency plans are prepared to provide immediate assistance to affected individuals. He also highlighted the activation of a dedicated hotline, 1348, to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

Olalia reported that around 20,000 OFWs are currently in Israel, employed in various sectors such as caregiving, hospitality, agriculture, and manufacturing. He noted that Alert Level 3, allowing for voluntary repatriation, has been in effect since 2023. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will determine any changes to this alert level, including a potential shift to Level 4, which would mandate evacuation.

Anadolu News Agency detailed the unfolding military operations, with Israel targeting Iran's nuclear and military sites, resulting in significant casualties among Iran's top military personnel and scientists. The conflict has seen continued attacks on cities like Tehran, Natanz, Tabriz, and Isfahan, while Iran has responded with 'Operation True Promise III,' launching missiles that triggered alarms in Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.

The DMW has provided additional contact numbers for OFWs seeking assistance. These include international hotline numbers and specific contacts for Philippine embassies and MWOs in Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.