Amid the escalating missile strikes between Israel and Iran, dozens of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel have asked to be brought home, with the Philippine government now facilitating the return of those most at risk.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, around 150 Filipinos initially expressed interest in repatriation. However, only 26 have so far confirmed and are undergoing the necessary processing.
There are over 30,700 Filipinos in Israel, many of whom work as caregivers, while others are employed in the hospitality industry. The embassy revealed that 49 Filipinos lost their homes in the recent missile attacks and are currently staying in temporary shelters — including a newborn who was just delivered on June 10.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola personally visited 18 Filipinos who were evacuated from a hotel struck by a missile. “They are all safe because they managed to get inside a bomb shelter on time,” the embassy posted on Facebook.
The post also noted that those affected will undergo psychosocial counseling due to the trauma they experienced.
The embassy confirmed that one Filipina remains in critical condition after being seriously wounded in the June 15 attack. She is currently confined at the Shamir Medical Center and is scheduled for major surgery. Another Filipino is recovering from moderate injuries at Kaplan Medical Center, while five others were treated for minor wounds and discharged.
So far, 63 Filipinos have received various forms of assistance, including food, hygiene kits, clothes, and temporary shelter. “Since the outbreak of hostilities, all embassy personnel have been staying at the embassy 24/7 to respond to the needs of our affected kababayan,” the embassy said.
In neighboring Iran, the Philippine Embassy advised the 1,180 Filipinos residing there — mostly spouses of Iranians — to remain on high alert, prepare emergency “go bags,” and safeguard their travel documents as Israel continues its retaliatory strikes.
Filipinos were reminded to monitor verified news sources, avoid crowded political gatherings, and refrain from sharing unverified or sensitive information online.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., addressing reporters on Wednesday, said a mandatory evacuation was not yet being enforced. “We generally leave it to each individual, to each family to decide for themselves whether or not they feel safe or whether or not they would like to be evacuated,” he said.
Marcos confirmed that the government has identified alternate routes to evacuate nationals from the region despite airport closures. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac is now in Jordan to oversee the logistics.
As of Tuesday, Cacdac said 109 Filipinos in Israel have formally expressed their intent to be repatriated, with 85 already listed before last Friday’s intensified attacks, and 24 more joining afterward.
