The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a strong advisory urging Filipinos in Israel and Iraq to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution as tensions in the region escalate.
In Israel, the Philippine Embassy emphasized the importance of staying at home and being prepared to move to shelters or safe rooms in the event of a missile alert. This comes after the Israel Defense Forces placed the country under “essential activity status” from Friday morning until Saturday evening.
“Mariing ipinapayo ng Embahada sa lahat ng Pilipino sa Israel na manatili sa loob ng kanilang mga tahanan at dapat maging handang pumasok sa shelter, safe room, o mamad sakaling magkaroon ng missile alert,” the embassy said in a statement.
Under this heightened alert status, mass gatherings have been suspended, and all non-essential work and school activities have been cancelled. Only critical services are allowed to operate.
Filipinos in Israel needing assistance are advised to contact the Embassy Emergency Hotline at +972 54-4661188.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Iraq echoed similar precautions, advising Filipino nationals to “shelter in place” and avoid unnecessary travel. The country remains under Alert Level 3 due to what authorities describe as “violent disturbances or external aggression.”
“Due to recent developments in the region, Filipino Nationals are advised to shelter in place, monitor ongoing news, and contact the Embassy Hotline (+964 740 810 5240) for emergencies,” the embassy announced.
