The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv on Thursday recommended a downgrade in the alert level for Filipinos in Israel, following the continued observance of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran earlier this week.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had previously placed both Middle Eastern nations under Alert Level 3—indicating voluntary repatriation—for all Filipinos living and working in the affected areas. However, based on updates from the DFA’s Office of Middle East and African Affairs, the embassy has advised lowering it back to Alert Level 2, or the restriction phase, in the five-tier crisis alert system.
While the ceasefire has brought some temporary relief, concerns remain high.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it expects at least 20 more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to return to the Philippines in the coming days, amid lingering tensions in the region.
DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay reported that the total number of overseas Filipinos who have indicated willingness to be repatriated from the region has now reached 346.
‘‘We are arranging for the flights of 20 OFWs this weekend,’’ Bay said.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to advise Filipino citizens to remain vigilant and to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity for their safety.
The safety of OFWs is not only a humanitarian concern but also an economic one, as their remittances contribute significantly to the Philippine economy.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said the ceasefire announcement—credited to diplomatic backchanneling by former U.S.
President Donald Trump—was a welcome development, but warned that the Philippines remains economically vulnerable should hostilities resume.
‘‘At the moment, the effect is hardly felt. But if the conflict escalates, even if we’re not directly involved and are geographically distant, we could still face significant economic, labor, and security challenges,’’ said PCCI president Enunina Mangio.
She cited the country’s heavy reliance on imported oil as a key vulnerability, noting that renewed tensions in the Middle East could drive global oil prices higher, worsening domestic inflation.
Beyond energy costs, the PCCI also raised alarms about the safety of OFWs, particularly those working in the Gulf region.
A wider conflict, it said, could force the Philippine government into undertaking emergency repatriation efforts.
‘‘This doesn’t just endanger lives, but also threatens remittance flows and the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on income from abroad,’’ Mangio added.
She also flagged the risk of global supply chain disruptions, particularly if strategic maritime routes such as the Suez Canal or the Strait of Hormuz are affected by further military activity.
Mangio further emphasized the potential for regional security spillover and urged Philippine policymakers and businesses to remain alert and develop contingency strategies.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the faithful to pray for the safety and well-being of Filipinos, particularly OFWs, caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Iran conflict.
In a statement, the CBCP expressed deep concern for the challenges faced by Filipino migrant workers and emphasized the importance of solidarity and spiritual support in such trying times.
Church leaders also echoed the government’s call for OFWs to consider returning home and to participate in the voluntary repatriation program. There are an estimated 30,000 Filipinos currently residing in Israel, many of whom are employed in the caregiving sector.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “PH Embassy in Israel recommends shift to Alert Level 2”
