MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Faustino Dy III expressed concern over ongoing bombings in parts of the Middle East, a day after the United States and Israel launched major strikes that prompted Iran to retaliate with drone and missile attacks on airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuwait, as well as Gulf military bases and residential areas.
“We are closely monitoring developments in Iran and the broader Middle East with serious concern for the safety and welfare of our countrymen in the region, particularly our hardworking overseas Filipino workers,” Dy said in a statement.
“Ang ating mga OFW ay mahalagang bahagi ng ating bansa at ng ating ekonomiya. Mahalaga na matiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan at maibigay ang kinakailangang suporta sa oras ng pangangailangan,” he added.
Dy also commended Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for directing concerned government agencies to determine the whereabouts of Filipinos in the Middle East, ensure their safety and activate contingency measures as tensions escalate.
He called on the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to ensure contingency plans are fully operational, assistance teams are prepared, and communication lines remain open and responsive.
“Nananawagan din tayo sa ating mga kababayan sa mga apektadong lugar na manatiling mag-ingat at sumunod sa mga opisyal na abiso ng ating pamahalaan,” Dy said.
The Speaker concluded by expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to the tensions and reaffirmed that the safety and protection of Filipinos abroad remain the government’s top priority.