‘Safety First’: Over 1,400 Filipinos in Mideast Seek Repatriation as Conflict Escalates

President Marcos confirms 1,416 requests from OFWs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Israel, but warns that closed airports and active combat zones make immediate evacuation impossible.

MANILA, Philippines – More than 1,400 Filipino citizens across the Middle East have formally requested repatriation as the widening conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran renders the region increasingly volatile, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed on Tuesday.

In a press briefing in Manila, President Marcos stated that a total of 1,416 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and residents have asked to return home. The breakdown reveals the widespread nature of the anxiety, with the highest numbers coming from the UAE: 586 requests from Filipinos in Dubai and 270 from Abu Dhabi. Other requests include 297 from Israel, 231 from Bahrain, 22 from Jordan, and 10 from Iran.

Repatriation Halted by Combat Conditions

Despite the high demand for evacuation, President Marcos struck a cautious tone, warning that bringing them home immediately is currently impossible due to the active combat zone.

“The airports are closed. They are all no-fly zones. This is a combat area,” Marcos explained, highlighting the risk of misidentification as missiles and drones continue to fly. He also ruled out land evacuations, stating that large convoys could be mistaken for hostile military movements.

“So right now, safety first for our people,” he emphasized, announcing that the government’s immediate strategy is to ensure the security of Filipinos where they stand rather than risk moving them through active war zones.

Shelter-in-Place Protocol Activated

With evacuation off the table for the moment, the Philippine government has activated emergency protocols. Marcos urged all Filipino nationals to follow the “shelter-in-place” advisories issued by their host governments.

“Shelter-in-place and follow the host government’s advice. That will be the most important information here,” he said, noting that Filipinos in Israel have been instructed to remain in close proximity to bomb shelters.

To support this, the government has coordinated with hotels near these shelter facilities to provide temporary housing for overseas Filipinos.

President Marcos assured the public that Philippine embassies, labor attachés, and defense attachés remain in constant contact with communities across the affected countries and are working with local authorities. Hotlines remain active 24/7 for worried families.

Reiterating the nation’s neutral stance, Marcos stated, “We are not a party to any of this. Of course we want the fighting to stop.”