More Filipinos seeking repatriation after US joins Israel-Iran fight: ambassador

A destroyed building is pictured at a site in Tel Aviv hit by a missile fired from Iran on June 14, 2025. John Wessels, AFP 

MANILA (UPDATED) — At least 253 Filipinos have requested voluntary repatriation from Israel, as its war with Iran entered the 11th day, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said Monday. 

Voluntary repatriation is provided by the embassy for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have no plan to return to Israel. 

While many hesitate due to this condition, Mendiola said 50 OFWs are already confirmed for repatriation soon.

Mendiola said OFWs who opt to stay in Israel would also be assisted by the embassy. 

"We make sure that those who want to be repatriated are repatriated. And we will continue to care for the ones who intend to remain," she said.

Twenty-six Filipinos have returned to the Philippines as part of the first batch of repatriation since Iran and Israel exchanged airstrikes that began June 13. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday raised Alert Level 3 in both countries. Mandatory evacuation has not been imposed yet. 

DFA officials to Pinoys: No need to panic as Alert Level 3 raised in Iran, Israel

Iran threatens US bases in response to strikes on nuclear sites

On Sunday, the United States struck three nuclear sites in Iran, joining Israel's bombing campaign and fueling fears of a wider regional conflict. 

"Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace," US President Donald Trump said after the strikes.  

At least eight Filipinos have been injured in the conflict. Seven of them have been discharged from the hospital, while one remained in critical condition.  

32 OFWs affected in new Iran attacks vs Israel

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave the assurance that the government is monitoring the condition of the injured Filipino, and is already in contact with her family.

"We continue to monitor our OFW caregiver who remains in hospital, stable but still on oxygen support and a ventilator. We are in touch with her family and are making sure she gets the care that she needs," he said.

Marcos also said the initial batch of Filipino repatriates from Iran will be arriving in the Philippines in the coming days, and they will be receiving aid from the government.

"In Iran, our embassy is preparing for the repatriation of an initial batch of 8 Filipinos in the coming days. Upon arrival in the Philippines, they will receive immediate support from the government, including a P150,000 in immediate assistance. Some accommodation, transport, and livelihood support with training vouchers to help them recover and to start again. And for those who choose to stay home for good, we will be there to help," he added.

'SAFEGUARD OFWs' 

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros asked Malacañang to avoid complacency and make the safety of Filipinos "an urgent national priority."

"The whole of government must prepare measures to safeguard OFWs in the region. Milyon-milyon ang Pilipinong maapektuhan kung sakaling lumala ang krisis sa Middle East. There is no room for complacency. Ano na nga ba ang kahandaan ng pamahalaan? May plano na nga ba para iligtas ang napakaraming OFW?" the senator said on Monday.

"Ang sabi ng DFA, hindi pa idineklara ang Alert Level 4 at hihintayin pa daw ang recommendation ng mga ambassadors. Meanwhile, many other European and Asian countries are already evacuating their citizens through remaining air and land routes. While it is important for the Pinoy community to remain calm, sana hindi tayo mag-eevacuate kung kailan huli na ang lahat," Hontiveros added.    

She urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure that there are enough resources for mass evacuation, and that plans "could be implemented at a moment's notice."

Sen. Joel Villanueva urged Filipinos abroad to reach out to authorities for repatriation.

"We urge our kababayans to coordinate closely with the DFA, DMW, and our embassies to facilitate repatriation, and we call on these agencies to prioritize these requests with urgency and compassion," Villanueva said in a statement.

"When we principally authored and sponsored the DMW Act, we ensured that a well-structured reintegration program was in place that goes beyond mere cash assistance. We must always stay five steps ahead by making sure there are employment opportunities available here at home, as well as viable alternative destinations for care workers who choose to seek work abroad again," he added.

He also pointed out the need to assess the potential impact of the crisis on the Philippine economy, and for the economic managers to come up with strategies to ease possible negative effects.

Senator-elect Panfilo "Ping" Lacson raised concerns that the US' action could trigger a world war.

"US President Trump's unprecedentedly dangerous move to 'obliterate' Iran's highly fortified nuclear facilities, if not as factual as he had described it could trigger a world war on a scale nobody has ever witnessed or read about," Lacson said on X.

"Ancient history taught us about Persia's ability to recover with deadly vengeance," he added.

Lacson trusts the Marcos administration has contingency plans in place for the affected Filipinos.

— With a report from Agence France-Presse

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