Manila: Senator Joel Villanueva on Tuesday commended the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for their prompt efforts to safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipino workers in Israel and Iran amid escalating regional tensions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva praised the agencies for responding swiftly to reports of injured Filipinos and for assisting at least 13 OFWs who have requested repatriation.

'We appreciate the proactive steps taken by the DMW, OWWA, and DFA to protect our kababayans (countrymen),' he said in a statement, noting that while timing is critical in such volatile situations, urgency must guide the government's actions on the ground.

He also encouraged concerned agencies to prepare alternative land-based evacuation routes and contingency measures in the event of mass repatriation.

He said the government is equipped to support such emergency operations, citing the PHP1.2 billion AKSYON Fund under the 2025 national budget allocated to the DMW.

'This funding gives our agencies the flexibility they need to respond decisively when emergencies strike,' he added.