MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday vowed to secure the safe evacuation of at least 1,416 Filipinos who have requested repatriation as the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupts air travel and threatens to spiral into a broader regional war.
Speaking at Malacañang, Marcos acknowledged that airspace closures and airport shutdowns in key areas have complicated evacuation efforts, but assured affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that the government is exhausting all means to bring them home safely.
“We will find ways, for those who want to be repatriated, we will find ways to get you out safely,” Marcos said in a press briefing.
The President identified Israel as currently the most dangerous area for Filipinos, citing continuous attacks and heightened military activity.
“The most dangerous area for our people right now would be Israel dahil tuloy-tuloy ang attack sa Israel… Dahil sanay sila sa giyera, marami silang bomb shelter na pwedeng pagtaguan. At yun ang naging advice namin sa ating mga kababayan: doon muna kayo,” the President said.
While awaiting possible evacuation windows, Marcos urged Filipinos to remain indoors, strictly follow local safety advisories, and seek immediate shelter during air raid alarms.
To improve their safety and comfort, the government has coordinated with hotels located near bomb shelters to temporarily house Filipinos in high-risk areas.
“Para maging mas maginhawa sa kanila, kumuha tayo, nakipag-usap tayo sa iba’t ibang hotel na malapit sa bomb shelter na doon sila muna pumunta at pag may air raids alarm, tumakbo muna sila sa bomb shelter,” he said.
The conflict erupted following a large-scale military strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Kahmenei and several senior military officials, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks across parts of the Middle East. Strikes have since reached neighboring territories, intensifying fears of a full-scale regional confrontation.
Philippine authorities said they are closely monitoring developments on the ground and coordinating with foreign governments to facilitate safe passage for Filipinos seeking to return home./PN
