No Filipinos have been reported affected by the explosions and attempted missile attacks recorded in Riyadh on September 18 and 19, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Saudi authorities said a ballistic missile launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces toward Riyadh was intercepted on September 19. The Saudi-led coalition said the missile was destroyed in the air and caused no damage, while additional threats were reported in other parts of the Kingdom.
The overnight security incidents prompted Saudi authorities to issue warnings to residents of Riyadh and nearby Al-Kharj. Smoke and flames were also reported near Riyadh airport, although the exact cause of the fire was not immediately established.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on what they described as “sensitive” sites in Riyadh. They also claimed to have targeted Saudi infrastructure, including an Aramco facility in Yanbu, although those claims were not independently verified.
The DMW said it is coordinating with the Philippine Embassy and consular offices in Saudi Arabia through the Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) to monitor the situation and provide assistance to overseas Filipino workers who may require help.
Filipinos in the Kingdom have been advised to stay alert, follow instructions from Saudi authorities and coordinate with the nearest MWO if they encounter an emergency.
For urgent assistance, OFWs may contact the following:
- MWO Alkhobar: Labor Attaché Sulaiman Mutya — +966 562 329 926
- MWO Jeddah: Labor Attaché Fidel A. Macauyag — mwo_jeddah@dmw.gov.ph / +965 698 197 20
- MWO Riyadh: Labor Attaché Dominador A. Salanga — mwo_riyadh@dmw.gov.ph / +966 502 850 944
- MWO Operations Support Bureau: Officer-in-Charge Geraldine Mendez — oas-mwws@dmw.gov.ph / (02) 8724-35-57
The DMW also maintains its 1348 hotline for callers in Metro Manila, 02 1348 for those outside Metro Manila, and +632 1348 for Filipinos calling from overseas.
Saudi Arabia has faced a series of Houthi drone and missile attacks in recent weeks, with previous incidents affecting several cities and critical infrastructure. On September 15, Saudi authorities reported that 13 civilians had been injured in attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif.
