Filipinos living in the United States are being advised to remain vigilant after US forces launched strikes on three key nuclear facilities in Iran, an act described by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez as “very serious.”
In a radio interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Romualdez emphasized the importance of staying informed amid rising tensions in the Middle East. “As always, we tell our kababayans to be on alert,” he said, urging Filipinos to follow all safety directives from local US authorities. “They have to be on alert for any eventuality.”
The ambassador confirmed that US citizens have already received security alerts following President Donald Trump’s announcement over the weekend. Trump declared that American forces “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, calling the operation a “spectacular military success.” He also confirmed the use of a “special bomb” for the first time against another country.
When asked if Filipinos should avoid crowded places like subways, Romualdez stopped short of issuing a blanket warning but stressed the need for caution. “Definitely, they should be careful,” he added.
Back home, the Philippine government has expressed deep concern over the fast-escalating situation. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated the country’s call for de-escalation and urged all parties to return to diplomatic dialogue. The Philippines, which has a large overseas workforce in the Middle East, remains particularly sensitive to regional conflict.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed that eight Filipinos were injured in related unrest between Israel and Iran. Seven have since been released from the hospital.
