President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered the “safe, timely, and orderly return” of Filipinos from conflict-affected areas in Israel and Iran under the government’s voluntary repatriation program.
“We have raised Alert Level 3 in Iran and Israel,” Mr. Marcos said in a video statement. “We are processing over 200 requests for repatriation, and we are moving quickly to bring them home.”
He acknowledged that some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have opted to remain at their jobs despite the escalating crisis.
The first batch of 26 Filipino repatriates from Israel has already crossed into Jordan and will be received by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac at the King Hussein crossing. Cacdac is currently stationed in Amman to oversee repatriation operations.
Meanwhile, at least 50 more OFWs are confirmed for repatriation, according to Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola.
“Our request is a total of 253 for repatriation. We have confirmed 50 who will be repatriated next,” she said. Many OFWs, however, remain hesitant due to concerns about ending their employment contracts. “Some of our fellow Filipinos kept changing their minds because when they return, it means the end of their contract,” Mendiola explained.
The repatriation follows renewed missile alerts and stricter mobility restrictions imposed by Israel’s Home Front Command.
These measures disrupted work, education, and public gatherings, significantly impacting Filipino caregivers. Of 127 displaced OFWs, 118 have already been resettled by Israeli authorities. Thirty-two more were safely evacuated from a nursing home damaged in a strike, Mendiola added. She confirmed that communication lines remain intact, allowing OFWs to stay in contact with their families.
President Marcos said food packs and financial aid have already been distributed to Filipinos in Israel. Many are being housed at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) hostel, with additional accommodations available if needed.
The government is also closely monitoring the condition of a Filipino caregiver who remains hospitalized. “She is stable but still on oxygen support and a ventilator,” Marcos said. “We are in touch with her family and are making sure she gets the care that she needs.”
In Iran, preparations are underway for the repatriation of an initial group of eight Filipinos. Upon arrival in the Philippines, returnees will receive P150,000 in aid, covering accommodation, transportation, livelihood support, and training vouchers to help them rebuild their lives.
“For those who choose to stay home for good, we will be there to help with skills training, job matching, startup capital, and support to begin a small business or find new opportunities,” the President said. He urged Filipinos in affected areas to stay in close contact with the Philippine embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran.
“Your government continues to act and is ready to serve to protect your safety and well-being. Nothing is more important than the safety of every Filipino,” Mr. Marcos said.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said P2.5 billion has been earmarked for fuel subsidies to help cushion the economic impact of the regional crisis. She also assured that repatriated OFWs will receive full reintegration assistance through government programs.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos orders safe return of OFWs amid Israel-Iran tensions.”