The Philippine government is holding firm on its Alert Level 3 advisory for both Israel and Iran, citing the need for stability before any downgrade can be considered.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega emphasized that it is too early to ease the travel warning, noting the situation remains fluid despite the ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. “We await our ambassador’s recommendation. Now may be premature to lower the level. We want to see the ceasefire hold,” De Vega told Philstar.com.
Alert Level 3, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ second-highest alert classification, advises Filipinos to consider voluntary repatriation due to threats from armed conflict or political instability.
The ceasefire, announced Tuesday (Philippine time), came under immediate strain as Iran reportedly launched a missile shortly after it took effect, prompting retaliatory strikes from Israel. While President Trump maintains the truce is still in effect, the situation remains volatile.
The recent conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets. Iran responded with missile barrages, escalating tensions in the region and placing more than 30,000 Filipinos in Israel and over 1,000 in Iran at risk.
At least eight Filipinos in Israel were injured, and more than 300 have sought government-assisted repatriation. On June 24, the first batch—comprising 24 Filipino nationals—safely returned home. Due to airspace closures in Israel, the group crossed into Jordan before flying to Manila.
With Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport now operational again, De Vega said repatriation logistics may soon be simplified. “Where it may change is how the repatriation is effected… [There may be] no need to pass through Jordan as Ben-Gurion airport in Tel-Aviv is open again,” he said.
