MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration says it is prepared for a possible mass repatriation of Filipinos in the Middle East, but no such order has been issued for now.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the government is ready to mobilize sea, air, and land transport with support from both the public and private sectors. The DMW has coordinated with the Department of National Defense for possible use of military assets, if needed.
Mass repatriation will only be triggered once the Department of Foreign Affairs raises the crisis alert level to Level 4. Currently, only Gaza, Syria, and Yemen are under that highest alert. Iraq and Lebanon are at Level 3, while Iran and parts of Israel remain at Level 2.
More than 100 Filipinos in the UAE and Israel have requested to return home, but airspace closures have stalled departures. The government is providing in-country evacuation, shelter, food, and water while waiting for exit points to open.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police has been placed on heightened alert, reinforcing security at key diplomatic sites, including the US and Israeli embassies. Authorities say there is no verified direct threat to Philippine territory at this time.
Since the conflict escalated, at least 45 flights between the Philippines and the Middle East have been canceled or diverted.