Filipinos living and working in Israel have been placed on shelter alert by the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, as American and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran.
Israel has shifted to what authorities are calling “essential activity” status — a nationwide posture that shutters schools, bans public gatherings, and suspends work across most sectors, with exceptions carved out only for essential services.
The embassy was direct in its guidance to the Filipino community: “The embassy encourages all Filipinos in Israel to remain in their homes and be prepared to seek shelter during urgent alerts (tseva adom or red alert).”
Tourists in the country received separate guidance through an embassy notice drawing on statements from Israeli authorities. “We wish to inform you that the State of Israel is currently operating in accordance with established and predefined emergency procedures. All relevant authorities are monitoring the situation closely and are acting in full coordination with tourism stakeholders: hotels, tour guides, inbound tour operators, and travel agents,” the notice stated. It further read: “The State of Israel and the Ministry of Tourism view the safety, security, and well-being of all those visiting Israel with the utmost importance, and are working to ensure that tourists receive assistance, information, and support at all times.”
Visitors needing assistance were pointed toward the Home Front Command, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Philippine Embassy.
The strikes come after US President Donald Trump announced on social media that the country had begun what he described as “major combat operations in Iran,” citing Iran’s continued pursuit of its nuclear program. Trump also claimed Iran had been developing missiles capable of reaching the United States, and addressed the Iranian people directly, urging them to “take over your government.”
