Quezon City: The Philippine government is all set for the repatriation of Filipinos from Israel and Iran, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday. In a media interview, Marcos revealed that the government has identified an alternate route to facilitate the safe return of displaced Filipinos from the two Middle Eastern countries.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos explained the challenges faced in the evacuation process due to the closure of many airports amid the ongoing conflict. "Ang naging problema natin sa pag evacuate sa kanila ay dahil sa giyera, maraming sarado na airport. Kaya't naghahanap tayo ng ruta kung saan sila mailabas (The problem we had in evacuating them was that because of the war, many airports were closed. So we are looking for a route where we can get them out)," Marcos stated. He further informed that the first batch of evacuees is being coordinated by Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Cacdac, who is already en route to Jordan.
The president emphasized that repatriation for affected Filipinos is voluntary. Nonetheless, the government is actively monitoring their situation and offering assistance to those who wish to return. "We of course are watching our nationals both in Israel and in Iran and as a matter of fact, we have already contacted all our nationals and asked them if they want to be evacuated," Marcos said. He added that the decision to evacuate is left to the individuals and families based on their sense of safety.
According to government data, approximately 92 overseas Filipinos have registered for voluntary repatriation, with 82 registering before the April 19 Iranian attacks and an additional 10 afterward.
In addition to repatriation efforts, Marcos acknowledged the potential impact of the Middle East conflict on oil prices, which he described as a "serious problem." He assured that the government would provide assistance to affected stakeholders. "Well, again, we are starting already with the assumption that the oil prices will in fact go up and I cannot see how it will not. Because the Strait of Hormuz will then be blocked if it escalates. The oil cannot come out of its sources. So, the prices will certainly be affected," he explained.
Marcos mentioned plans to extend fuel subsidies similar to those provided during the pandemic, particularly to drivers and other severely affected stakeholders. "The subsidies that we have always given, fuel subsidies that we gave to, if you remember during the pandemic, lalong-lalong na 'yung mga napapasada, 'yung mga may hanapbuhay naman sila, binigyan nating (especially the drivers, we gave them) fuel subsidies. Now, we will have to do the same for those who are severely affected stakeholders by any instability in the price of oil," he added.
