As the conflict in Israel intensifies, at least 50 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are now confirmed for voluntary repatriation, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said in a radio interview on Monday. Of that number, 26 have already crossed safely into Jordan with embassy assistance.
The situation remains volatile, with fresh missile alerts prompting Filipinos in affected areas to seek refuge in bomb shelters. “Oo, kalalabas lang namin sa bomb shelter… Just after 3, nagkaroon ng alert na naman,” Mendiola shared in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
While many OFWs have expressed interest in returning home, Mendiola admitted that some keep changing their minds—largely due to concerns about ending their employment contracts and the resulting financial uncertainty. “Isa sa mga naging difficulty namin ‘yung nagbabagong-isip sa mga kababayan natin,” she explained.
The embassy has requested clearance to repatriate 253 Filipinos in total, and continues to coordinate with community leaders and the Jordanian government to facilitate exit routes. “Ang request namin, total 253. Confirmed namin is 50 na susunod i-repatriate,” she noted.
Tensions surged further after new hostilities erupted between the United States and Iran, pushing Israel’s Home Front Command to reimpose lockdowns—suspending work, schools, and public gatherings. Filipino caregivers and workers have been significantly affected, with 127 reported displaced.
Of those displaced, 118 have already been resettled. Mendiola said 32 OFWs were evacuated from a nursing home struck by nearby missile damage. “Buti na lang nakapasok sila sa ground shelter so they’re all safe,” she said.
Eight OFWs were injured during the recent strikes. Seven have been released from medical care, but one remains in critical condition after undergoing two surgeries.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has also provided additional shelter support for Filipinos who opted out of government facilities. Communication lines in Israel remain stable, according to Mendiola, who assured families in the Philippines that they can still reach their loved ones. “Yung internet at telephone lines, okay. Walang palya,” she said.
To streamline evacuation efforts, the embassy has urged Filipinos to commit firmly to their decision to leave. “’Pag nagsabi kayong gusto ninyo, huwag na kayong mag-back out para maisara na ‘yung listahan,” she appealed.
Mendiola acknowledged the constant fear faced by OFWs on the ground. “Siyempre mananalangin ka na sana, you live another day,” she said.
With both Iran and Israel placed under Alert Level 3 by the Philippine government—signaling voluntary repatriation—the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Filipinos in both nations to consider returning home to avoid being caught in the escalating conflict.
