Manila: Telecommunications company Globe is offering free roaming support to Filipinos in several Middle Eastern countries in response to heightened conflicts in the region. In a statement on Monday, Globe offered the free roaming package to eligible users in Saudi Arabia (connect via STC and Zain), the United Arab Emirates (connect via Du and e), Bahrain (connect via Batelco and Zain Bahrain), Qatar (connect via Ooredoo and Vodafone), and Kuwait (connect via Ooredoo Kuwait and stc Kuwait).

According to Philippines News Agency, the roaming relief package includes 1GB of all-access data, 15 minutes of calls, and 15 SMS credits valid for seven days, to support critical communication needs. The offer will be automatically provided to eligible Globe Prepaid, TM, and Postpaid users. These eligible customers will receive a confirmation message once the service is ready for use.

Globe advised customers to connect to one of its preferred roaming partners in each country to receive the benefit. 'Globe's global roaming partner directories list these networks as the primary operators for roaming services in the Middle East,' it added. On the other hand, Globe is also providing load support or bill adjustments to customers in Iran to offset connectivity costs. Assistance will be administered through account credit adjustments tied to usage patterns while connected to roaming partners such as MTN Irancell.

On Sunday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed the first reported Filipino casualty in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The victim was identified as Mary Anne Velazquez de Vera from Pangasinan, who was working as a caregiver in Israel. In response, Marcos vowed to provide the government's full support to her family.

On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran. Iran retaliated through drones and missiles against Israel and US bases in the Middle East.