No overseas Filipinos have been reported harmed amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Saturday, even as Philippine diplomatic posts across the region shifted to full alert status.
“As of this time, there are no Filipinos reported affected or harmed,” the DFA said in a statement.
International media reported Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting Manila to activate contingency measures for its nationals spread across the Middle East, including in Gulf Cooperation Council states where Filipino migrant communities are heavily concentrated. Philippine embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv are among the missions now operating at heightened readiness.
Filipinos remaining in affected areas have been urged to stay indoors, avoid public places, and keep to safe locations until further notice. Embassies stand ready to assist nationals as monitoring of the situation continues.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., briefed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, directed both the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers to immediately implement contingency plans. The DFA described Marcos as “deeply concerned” for the welfare of Filipinos in the region.
The DFA also called on all parties to the conflict to engage in dialogue rather than further hostilities, as interagency coordination and contingency preparations continue.
