ILOILO CITY — In response to escalating conflicts in the Middle East, the Iloilo Provincial Government has established a 24/7 emergency hotline to support overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families potentially affected by the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis.
“Operation Bulig Ilonggo” provides a critical lifeline for local workers and their relatives, provincial employment officials said Monday. The initiative, authorized under Executive Order 2020-004, aims to provide immediate assistance and communication support.
Cynthia Dario, manager of the Iloilo Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO), revealed that the province has been actively tracking and coordinating with local OFW associations to monitor the safety of approximately 200 Ilonggo workers in Israel.
“We are working closely with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to ensure the immediate support of our overseas workers,” Dario stated.
The emergency hotline offers multiple contact numbers for relatives seeking information or assistance: 0998-990 5663, 0917-7543833, 0961-6804428, 0910-0054682, and 0916-7583156.
The move comes as Iranian missile strikes have intensified regional tensions, with recent attacks killing eight people and injuring 208 in central and northern Israel, according to Israeli media reports.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to protecting its overseas workers during these challenging times.
For ongoing updates and assistance, affected families are urged to utilize the provided emergency contact numbers.
