Philippines President Urges OFWs to Stay Safe Amid Middle East Tensions

Mar 3, 2026

79 min

Mar 3, 2026 11:30

Just stay put: Philippines president advises OFWs amid ongoing Middle East tensions

## Rising Tensions in the Middle East

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region to prioritize their safety. The president emphasized the importance of staying in secure locations while the government works on repatriation plans.

## Repatriation Requests

Currently, 1,416 Filipinos have requested to return home from various Middle Eastern countries. The breakdown includes 10 from Iran, 297 from Israel, 22 from Jordan, and 231 from Bahrain. In the UAE, 586 requests have been made from Dubai and 270 from Abu Dhabi. Many of these individuals are either contract workers whose agreements have ended or those seeking to leave areas they consider dangerous.

## Challenges in Evacuation

Marcos highlighted the complications in organizing evacuations due to airspace closures and security risks. He expressed concerns about potential misidentification in conflict zones, which could pose additional dangers. While land travel is considered, it carries its own risks.

## Safety First

The president's primary advice to Filipinos in affected areas is to remain indoors and follow local advisories. He reassured that the government is in constant communication with ambassadors and defense attachés to monitor the situation. Hotlines have been activated to help families in the Philippines stay informed about their relatives abroad.

## Government Support

Marcos assured that the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs are on high alert, providing necessary support and information to OFWs and their families. The situation remains fluid, and the government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens in the region.

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