The Philippine government is exploring the use of a chartered flight to repatriate Filipinos affected by the intensifying conflict in the Middle East, officials confirmed Tuesday.
Migrant Workers Undersecretary Felicita Bay said the plan is under review as the number of Filipinos requesting to return home continues to rise, particularly in conflict-hit areas such as Israel.
“Should the number escalate — those who have really registered and want to go home — at this point we are currently also considering or studying availing of a chartered flight,” Bay said during a press briefing. However, she noted that operational hurdles remain, including airspace restrictions and host country permits, which are essential for ensuring safe passage.
Bay assured the public that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are working closely to evaluate the feasibility of such a flight. “You are assured… we are checking or we are studying or considering having a chartered flight given the situation,” she emphasized.
As of now, 311 Filipinos in Israel have formally requested repatriation, with the first batch of 50 individuals tentatively scheduled to fly back on June 26 or 27. Bay also mentioned that around 150 workers appear to be reconsidering their repatriation due to weaker missile strikes and fears about land travel.
In response to the growing volatility in the region, the Philippine government has elevated the alert status in both Israel and Iran to Alert Level 3. Under this classification, Filipinos in those countries are strongly urged to return home, while travel to the two nations is discouraged due to the security risks and logistical constraints posed by closed airspace and seaports.
