ILOILO — With tensions escalating in the Middle East due to the joint Israel-United States attack on Iran which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend, the Iloilo provincial government has activated emergency response hotlines to assist Ilonggo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families who may be affected.
Through the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Capitol on Sunday launched “Operation Bulig Ilonggo,” rolling out dedicated hotline numbers to provide immediate coordination and assistance to OFWs in the Middle East.
Iran has retaliated by unleashing ballistic missiles against Israel and US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, and Saudi Arabia – Gulf States that host thousands of OFWs including those from Iloilo.
“In light of the current conflict, let us continue to pray for the safety of our fellow Ilonggos abroad and stand together in times of uncertainty,” the provincial government said in a statement through PESO-Iloilo Province.
The emergency hotline numbers are:
* 0998-990-5663
* 0917-754-3833
* 0910-005-4682
* 0916-758-3156
* 0995-931-0922
* 0917-881-7808
* 0961-680-4428
PESO-Iloilo Province manager Cynthia Dario said that based on reports from various OFW groups, organizations, and Municipal PESO Managers, Ilonggos in the Middle East — particularly those in conflict areas — remain safe as of this writing.
However, she acknowledged growing anxiety among workers abroad as the situation continues to unfold.
Dario said some OFWs are already preparing contingency plans, including possible evacuation or relocation to safer areas, should the conflict worsen.
The provincial government is closely coordinating with concerned national agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure that any calls received through the hotlines are immediately referred and addressed.
“We are waiting and monitoring sang sitwasyon every now and then and hoping and praying nga safe ang aton mga kababayan didto,” Dario said.
She reiterated the appeal of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. for Ilonggo OFWs in conflict areas to strictly follow advisories issued by the Philippine Embassy and to remain calm while staying alert for emergency instructions.
“Ang aton gobernador nagahingyu gid sa pagsunod sa mga advisories issued by Philippine Embassy and please remain calm and be ready sa mga emergency alerts,” Dario added.
In Malacañang, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, “I would like to report to our countrymen that as of 9 a.m. on Sunday, we have not received any reports of Filipino casualties. No Filipinos have died, and no Filipinos have been injured.”
“At present, we continue to monitor the situation to ensure that our fellow Filipinos in the Middle East are in good condition,” he added.
Since the conflict began on Saturday, Marcos said he has been closely watching the situation through the Philippines’ embassies, labor attachés, and diplomatic posts in the Middle East.
“We know that there are many Filipinos in the Middle East. I’m sure you are worried about your acquaintances, friends, and relatives there,” he added.
According to Marcos, the Philippine government is “closely and continuously” monitoring the situation in West Asia, commonly called the Middle East, where there are more than 2 million Filipinos, as the conflict is far from being over.
“However, based on our latest report, our countrymen are in safe areas. They have gone to bomb shelters where available, and they are keeping their distance from American bases to avoid danger,” he added./PN
