More than 1,400 Filipino nationals in the Middle East have requested repatriation amid the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday, as closed airspace, airport shutdowns and active combat zones made immediate evacuation impossible.
In a press briefing at Malacañang Palace, Marcos described the situation as “very fluid,” with combat operations spreading and no-fly zones in place across affected areas. He said air repatriation is currently not feasible due to widespread airport closures and risks of misidentification during ongoing missile and drone strikes.
“Airports are closed. They are all no-fly zones. This is a combat area,” Marcos said, adding that land evacuations carry similar dangers, as large vehicle convoys could be mistaken for hostile targets in active war zones.
The president provided a breakdown of requests: 586 from Dubai, 297 from Israel, 270 from Abu Dhabi, 231 from Bahrain, 22 from Jordan and 10 from Iran, totaling 1,416 individuals. Many are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose contracts have ended or who are permanent residents seeking to leave danger zones.
Philippine embassies, labor attachés and defense attachés are maintaining constant contact with Filipino communities and coordinating with host governments, Marcos said. He urged those in affected areas to prioritize safety by sheltering in place and following local authorities’ guidance.
“Shelter-in-place and follow the host government’s advice. That is the most important information here,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
In Israel, where attacks continue, Filipinos have been advised to stay near bomb shelters. The government is arranging temporary housing in hotels close to such facilities.
Marcos emphasized that the Philippines is not a party to the conflict but hopes for a swift end to hostilities.
“We are not a party to any of this. Of course we want the fighting to stop,” he said.
The government is on 24/7 alert, with embassies and foreign posts operating hotlines for Filipinos and their families.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III separately assured that the administration is working to protect affected OFWs and seafarers, pledging Senate support for any required response, including evacuations if conditions allow.
“Our government continues to take steps to protect you and, if necessary, to bring you home safely to the Philippines,” Sotto said. “Your Senate stands ready for any need involving the evacuation of our countrymen from the Middle East.”
He called on the public to remain calm, disciplined and united during the global uncertainty.
The conflict, which intensified with coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets starting late February, has disrupted regional airspace and heightened risks for the estimated 2 million Filipinos working in the Middle East.
