President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed that the Philippine government is actively working to evacuate Filipinos from Israel and Iran amid intensifying tensions between the two countries. Speaking on Wednesday, Marcos said safe routes are being identified as airstrikes continue to disrupt travel in the region.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has been dispatched to Jordan to oversee the coordination of evacuation efforts for affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). According to Marcos, some Filipinos in Israel have already requested repatriation, while others in Iran initially opted to stay but have now expressed fear and a desire to return home.
“That’s why we’re looking for a safe route for them. We have been able to do that,” the President said, noting that Cacdac is facilitating both Israeli and Iranian evacuations from Jordan.
Over 100 Filipinos in Israel have asked to be repatriated, according to the Department of Migrant Workers. Eight OFWs have reportedly been injured in recent attacks. Israel remains under Alert Level 2 for Filipino travelers, limiting new deployments to the country.
Marcos clarified that the situation has not yet warranted a mandatory repatriation order. “We generally leave it to each individual, to each family to decide for themselves whether or not they feel safe,” he said.
Meanwhile, 17 Filipino officials—comprising mayors, vice mayors, lawmakers, and regional directors—who were in Israel for a public administration study tour, were temporarily stranded due to the missile attacks. They are expected to return to the Philippines this weekend, according to Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega.
Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said the officials are safe and in good spirits. He added that the Israeli government is covering all costs for their accommodation and return flights. Another Filipino delegation studying agriculture in Israel is also set to fly home.
Additionally, 49 Filipinos displaced by the conflict have been relocated to a secure shelter with aid support, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv confirmed. While over 30,000 Filipinos reside in Israel, only 150 have so far requested to be repatriated.
President Marcos also said contingency plans are in place to help mitigate the impact of the conflict on domestic fuel prices. If oil prices surge, the government is prepared to reintroduce fuel subsidies for public transport drivers, similar to what was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Yes, it’s a serious problem,” Marcos said.