The Philippine government has launched emergency support measures for 14 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) caught in an Iranian missile strike that hit a residential building in Rehovot, Israel, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced Monday.
In a news release, the DMW said it is coordinating closely with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv to provide immediate assistance to the affected workers. “Fortunately, thank God at walang nasawi. However, may apat na na-ospital. Labing-apat ang natulungan natin. Nabigyan ng basic needs at financial assistance,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, noting that no fatalities were reported, but four workers were hospitalized, and all 14 received basic necessities and financial aid.
Cacdac emphasized that the response aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize the safety and welfare of Filipinos abroad, particularly in conflict zones. “This is a continuing effort to provide all the necessary assistance to our kababayans as directed by our President,” he said.
The DMW, in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, is closely monitoring the condition of one critically injured OFW and remains on high alert for potential rescue or repatriation operations. Eight of the affected workers have been relocated to a safe shelter, while others are receiving care from their employers. One worker opted to stay with a friend for added security, the DMW confirmed.
The department also vowed to strengthen protections for OFWs impacted by conflicts, particularly the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions. “Patuloy tayong magbibigay ng tulong,” Cacdac said, adding that the DMW is also monitoring the situation in Lebanon in coordination with Migrant Workers Offices and Philippine Embassies in the region.
On Monday, 18 OFWs safely returned to the Philippines, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City. These workers, originally bound for Tel Aviv, Israel, and Amman, Jordan, were stranded in Dubai due to the temporary closure of major airports amid the Middle East conflict.