Protect, evacuate OFWs in Middle East amid escalating hostilities, senators urge agencies

Senators on Monday renewed calls for government agencies to intensify protection, evacuation, and contingency measures for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos in the Middle East following escalating hostilities in the region, as the Philippine Embassy in Israel confirmed the death of a Filipino national in a missile attack in Tel Aviv.

In a statement dated March 1, the Philippine Embassy in Israel confirmed that Mary Ann V. de Vera, a 32-year-old caregiver from Basista, Pangasinan, was killed during a missile attack in Tel Aviv on the evening of February 28.

De Vera had been working in Israel since 2019. Her identity was confirmed through biometric records at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, where her husband, who also works in Israel, positively identified her remains.

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola personally conveyed the government’s condolences to the victim’s husband and assured him of full assistance. The embassy said it joins the Filipino community in Israel in praying for the repose of her soul and for strength and comfort for her family.

Amid the worsening situation, Senate Finance Committee chair Win Gatchalian urged the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to initiate preparations for the possible repatriation of OFWs in Iran, Israel, and other countries affected by the conflict.

“The AKSYON Fund under the DMW is used for the repatriation of OFWs and other forms of emergency assistance for those in distress,” Gatchalian said, noting that the Senate increased the fund by P800 million, raising it to P2 billion. “Our priority is the safety of our OFWs. The government must be ready to repatriate those affected.”

Gatchalian also called on the Land Transportation Regulatory and Franchising Board (LTFRB) to prepare for the immediate implementation of the Pantawid Pasada fuel subsidy program amid expectations of further oil price hikes. A total of P2.497 billion has been allocated for the program.

The DMW earlier reported that about 2.443 million Filipinos are currently living and working in the Middle East.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, for his part, urged Philippine embassies in the region to immediately activate crisis protocols to safeguard roughly two million Filipinos in the Middle East, including about 1,000 in Iran. He also appealed to OFWs to coordinate closely with Filipino community leaders for faster and more organized evacuation or repatriation if needed.

Pangilinan further called on the government to immediately release fuel subsidies for public transport drivers, farmers, and fisherfolk, and to temporarily suspend excise taxes on diesel and kerosene to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Escudero urged government agencies to strengthen coordinated protection measures for Filipinos across the Middle East, stressing that advisories alone are insufficient given the scale of the Filipino presence in the region.

Escudero cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the DMW to activate contingency plans and account for Filipinos in affected areas. He proposed the establishment of a coordinated Middle East Crisis Command Center to consolidate real-time monitoring, identify safe corridors, and pre-position evacuation assets in accessible ports and airports.

He also called for assistance to Filipino travelers stranded in transit hubs due to flight cancellations, and for the maintenance of reliable communication channels through emergency hotlines, check-in systems, and connectivity support.

Separately, Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Erwin Tulfo urged the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to roll out a recovery plan for Filipinos who were scheduled to depart for work in the Middle East but were stranded due to the escalation of hostilities.

Tulfo said many of the affected Filipinos, mostly from the provinces, had already spent significant amounts to complete employment requirements, only to have their deployments stalled. He noted that first-time OFWs have reported the lack of clear guidance from government agencies and recruitment firms.

Tulfo proposed the use of the P2-billion AKSYON Fund to provide immediate relief, including financial and mental health support, to affected workers.

“My office is continuously in touch with the DFA and the DMW in activating measures without delay, including the preparation and implementation of immediate repatriation plans for those who wish to return home,” Tulfo said.