At least six overseas Filipino workers have been injured in Iran’s recent missile strikes on Israel, with one Filipina caregiver now in critical condition due to severe injuries to her heart and lungs, the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed.
In a Philstar.com report, the embassy said the caregiver is currently confined at the Intensive Care Unit of Shamir Medical Center. Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola Rau revealed that, in total, there were eight medical cases involving Filipinos—six due to the missile attack and two involving maternity cases. One other Filipino is in moderately critical condition, while the rest have already been released from the hospital.
Three of the injured Filipinos were hit when a missile struck a residential building in the early hours of June 15. Among them is a 43-year-old woman who underwent emergency surgery and a 44-year-old man suffering from limb injuries. They are currently being treated at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot.
“We are doing everything within our means to reach and assist our nationals affected by this crisis,” Ambassador Rau said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families, especially our kababayan who is now fighting for her life.”
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is also supporting 14 other OFWs whose homes were destroyed in the attack, with eight of them now in government-provided temporary shelters. Assistance has likewise been extended to two more OFWs near Tel Aviv.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), DMW, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to prioritize the safety and welfare of all affected Filipinos.
“The President’s directive… is to provide immediate assistance to our countrymen. No one is left behind,” said Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro.
While there is no forced repatriation in place yet, Castro noted the DFA has contingency plans if the situation escalates. A government team is already on the ground in Israel, ready to facilitate the safe return of OFWs.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said at least 25 Filipinos in Israel have already asked to be repatriated. Additionally, 18 OFWs who were stranded in Dubai en route to Tel Aviv and Amman have safely arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Cacdac advised Filipinos to avoid traveling to Israel and Jordan for now, urging those already there to remain indoors. He confirmed that an alternative evacuation route has been identified but declined to reveal details for security reasons.
“We stand continually ready to assist and support our OFWs who wish to go home for safety and security,” Cacdac assured. A 24/7 Middle East Help Desk has also been activated to support distressed OFWs and their families.
