CAPIZ — A Capisnon has made a desperate appeal for assistance after finding herself caught in escalating violence in the Middle East.
Ahmyzza Contreras sought help following Iranian missile strikes reportedly targeting the United States Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. The attack came amid heightened tensions after recent joint military actions conducted by the United States and Israel in Iran.
In a video posted on her Facebook account and addressed to the Philippine Embassy and concerned government agencies, Contreras described the situation as “very alarming.”
On the day of the incident, Contreras was temporarily staying in a condominium located near the U.S. Navy base in Bahrain, which was reportedly among the targets of the missile strike.
“Ari kami subong sa city tapos ang condo nga gina-stayan ko is close to the US Navy base, so Iran attacked that base, kag may part sang missile nga nagtugpa sa amon nga building. Out of all the buildings, sa amon nga building nagtugpa and everyone has been evacuated, like everyone has been out of that building,” she said in the video.
She said their building sustained damage from missile fragments and that residents were immediately evacuated.
“Everyone had to leave quickly — there was no time to waste,” she added.
Contreras expressed gratitude to a group of Chinese nationals who assisted her during the chaos and helped bring her to safety at a nearby Marriott Hotel.
“I’m incredibly grateful to those who helped, as their intervention allowed me to escape this dangerous situation,” she said.
Contreras clarified that she is not an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). She is in Bahrain to process legal documents with her husband, who works in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Shortly before the incident, her husband had returned to Saudi Arabia, leaving her in Bahrain when the attack occurred.
With international travel disruptions and heightened security measures in place, she voiced concern for other Filipinos who may also be affected by the escalating tensions.
“I urgently appeal to the Philippine Embassy for help, not only for myself but for all the other Filipinos who are caught in this turmoil,” she said.
As of press time, the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain has yet to issue a statement regarding assistance for Contreras or other Filipinos in the area./PN
