DMW on heightened alert amid Israel-Iran conflict

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is on heightened alert as it provides assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Iran launched missile and drone strikes in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Friday after Israel attacked several Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites.

The DMW said OFWs and their families may seek assistance from its Middle East Help Desk reachable through its 1348 hotline.

Meanwhile, OFWs affected by flight cancellations, delays and rerouting across the region can also ask for help from the same hotline number or through the following contact numbers: Israel – the Migrant Workers Office (+972 50-7622590), Overseas Welfare Office (+972 50-7156937) and Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv (+972 54-4661188); Lebanon – MWO in Beirut (+961 79 110 729), Philippine embassy in Beirut (+961 70 858 086); Jordan – MWO (+962 7 8149 1183 and +962 7 8519 1891); and Iran – Philippine embassy (+989122136801).

In Israel, the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv, led by Ambassador Aileen Mendiola, has activated its crisis management team to respond to the developing situation.

“The safety and well-being of Filipinos in Israel remain the embassy’s top priority. Ambassador Mendiola is personally overseeing efforts to monitor the situation, coordinate with Israeli and Philippine authorities and ensure that timely advisories and support are extended to our kababayan,” the Philippine embassy in Israel posted on its Facebook page.

The Philippine embassy in Iran urged Filipinos to exercise caution and “avoid risky situations whenever possible.”

“Avoid public places with large gatherings. Avoid traveling to or visiting places where large public gatherings of political nature usually take place,” it said.

The DMW urged all OFWs in Israel and Iran to remain indoors and stay alert.

“Stay connected with the Philippine embassy or MWOs in their respective host countries,” the department said.

The DMW also advised OFWs to refrain from spreading or sharing unverified information, which may cause unnecessary panic and confusion. — Michael Punongbayan