Metro Manila, Philippines – The government is on alert in response to warnings of a potential Iranian retaliation that could target California in the United States, home to a large Filipino community.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing on Thursday, March 12, authorities are closely monitoring developments amid reports of possible drone attacks linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“Kailangan po na maging alerto rin po tayo kung ano’t anuman ang mangyayari sa ating mga kababayan sa California,” Castro said.
[Translation: We need to remain alert for whatever may happen to our fellow Filipinos in California.]
California is home to around 1.6 million Filipinos, one of the largest communities outside the country.
A report by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, cited by Reuters, stated that US law enforcement agencies were alerted to the possibility that Iran could attempt surprise drone attacks in California if the US launched strikes against Tehran.
The security bulletin said Iran allegedly aspired to conduct a drone attack launched from a vessel at sea targeting locations in the US state, though authorities said they had no specific information on the timing, method or target of any potential attack.
The alert surfaced as fighting intensified in the Middle East after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran triggered missile and drone retaliatory attacks by Tehran against Israel and Gulf states hosting US military installations.
California officials said there were no immediate or credible threats to the state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he was unaware of imminent threats but that the state had increased its security posture since the conflict began.
Local authorities, including the Los Angeles Police Department, said they were coordinating with federal and state security agencies to monitor potential risks.
