Senator Risa Hontiveros is sounding the alarm on the potential dangers faced by millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the Middle East, urging Malacañang to take immediate, concrete action as the conflict between Israel and Iran shows no signs of easing.
In a strongly worded social media post, Hontiveros appealed to the government not to be complacent.
“Malacañang, huwag pakampante, at tiyaking ligtas ang OFWs sa gitna ng lumalalang sigalot ng Israel at Iran,” she said.
According to the senator, the situation on the ground could endanger not only the estimated 29,473 Filipinos in Israel and 1,184 in Iran, but also over 2.2 million Filipinos spread across the Middle East. She highlighted Iran’s public threats to strike back at U.S. military facilities and personnel stationed in other regional countries—a move that could escalate tensions and place Filipino communities in harm’s way.
“The whole of government must prepare measures to safeguard OFWs in the region,” Hontiveros added in another post.
“Milyon-milyon ang Pilipinong maapektuhan kung sakaling lumala ang krisis sa Middle East. There is no room for complacency.”
Her call comes as the Philippine government has raised Alert Level 3 in both Israel and Iran, initiating voluntary repatriation efforts for Filipinos in affected zones. As of the latest tally, at least 253 Filipinos in Israel have requested repatriation, with the first batches already flown out via Jordan. In Iran, eight Filipinos have signaled intent to return home.
Despite these moves, Hontiveros is pressing for a more decisive, whole-of-government approach, especially as regional instability continues to escalate.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have assured the public that 24/7 hotlines remain operational and that embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are on standby to assist those in need. But for Hontiveros, mere advisories are not enough.
“Ano na nga ba ang kahandaan ng pamahalaan? May plano na nga ba para iligtas ang napakaraming OFW?” she asked, demanding clarity and assurance from the administration.
