Four Filipinos were injured over the weekend when Iranian missile strikes struck Rehovot City in Israel, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Sunday. The city, located just south of Tel Aviv, was among several areas hit in what Tehran said was retaliation.
According to DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the victims were among a group of Filipinos who had gathered in a public park when the explosions occurred. It remains uncertain whether they were outdoors for leisure or had evacuated their homes due to the missile alert.
Twelve other Filipinos in the vicinity escaped harm. However, three of the injured suffered moderate to critical injuries after a missile reportedly struck their residence. One remains in critical condition and is receiving medical care.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola assured that help is being provided swiftly on the ground. “We are doing everything within our means to reach and assist our nationals affected by this crisis,” she said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families, especially our kababayan who is now fighting for her life.”
Emergency teams from the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv are closely coordinating with Israeli authorities and Filipino community leaders to extend assistance and monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said repatriation plans remain on standby. Undersecretary Bernard Olalia confirmed that labor attachés in the region are on high alert. “We’re ready to help and provide immediate assistance,” he said, urging OFWs and their families to reach out to the DMW hotline 1348 for urgent matters.
About 20,000 Filipinos are currently working in Israel, mostly in caregiving, agriculture, and other service sectors. The area has remained under Alert Level 3 since 2023, allowing voluntary repatriation. Any shift to Alert Level 4, which would trigger mandatory evacuation, would require further assessment by the DFA.
While no Filipinos in Iran have reported any need for help, the DFA disclosed that contingency evacuation routes—potentially through Turkmenistan—are being prepared as a precaution.
The DMW and OWWA have released emergency contact numbers for Filipinos in affected areas, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and in contact with embassy officials amid the growing tensions.