Sen. Risa Hontiveros has called on the government to immediately repatriate Filipinos in Israel and Iran, underscoring the need for them to be brought to safety as soon as possible. —SENATE PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION BUREAU
MANILA, Philippines — Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros has called on the government to immediately repatriate Filipinos in Israel and Iran, underscoring the need for them to be brought to safety as soon as possible.
In a statement, Hontiveros urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to recommend the immediate repatriation of Filipinos.
READ: 7 Filipinos hurt in Iran missile strikes on Israel – PH embassy
“If necessary, mandatory repatriation must also be imposed on those residing in areas already affected by missile attacks,” said Hontiveros.
The opposition lawmaker said government agencies also need to be prepared to welcome overseas Filipinos back to the country, including providing reintegration programs, livelihood assistance, and psychosocial support.
“Considering the potential number of Filipinos who may have to be evacuated from the region if this escalates, the government has to start organizing and making sure contingency plans are in place,” said Hontiveros.
In a separate statement also issued on Thursday, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada urged Filipinos in Israel to stay connected with the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv to ensure their safety.
“While Malacañang has assured that contingency plans are in place for those who wish to return home—along with additional measures to assist those injured, displaced, or rendered homeless by the ongoing conflict—those who are repatriated should also receive government support in the form of livelihood assistance. This is crucial to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into our society,” said Estrada.
The Senate’s second top leader said concerned agencies should allow more flexibility in processing documents and ensure that immediate assistance can be provided to Filipinos in need.
“Huwag na po natin dagdagan ang bigat ng sitwasyon nila. Alam naman nating hindi biro ang pinagdaanan nila,” he added.
(Let us not exacerbate their burden. We all know that what they are going through is a serious matter.)
The government, through the DFA, previously expressed grave concern over heightened tensions in the Middle East following Israel’s airstrikes on Iran, calling for de-escalation and peace.
READ: 21 PH officials evacuated from Israel to Jordan
In a separate report on Thursday, the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv said seven Filipinos were injured after Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks against Israel.
But it was Israel that first carried out strikes against Iran on June 13, targeting its nuclear and military sites, after US President Donald Trump warned of a possible “massive conflict” in the region./coa