DFA urges voluntary repatriation of Filipinos in Israel, Iran

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine government is encouraging Filipinos in Israel and Iran to avail of voluntary repatriation shouldered by the administration amid escalating tensions between the Middle East nations.

Israel is on Alert Level 2, which means restricted deployment of Filipinos to the country. Alert Level 1, or precaution phase amid visible signs of instability, prevails over Iran. Both these alert levels do not touch on repatriation, but Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said they are working to raise the alert levels, with the agency awaiting approval from the secretary within the day.

“Kahit wala pang nakapirma, we are going by the premise na voluntary repatriation na… Kailangan hikayatin na natin ‘yong mga Pilipino, na maraming bansa nagsasabi na umuwi na ang citizens nila,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega told state broadcaster PTV’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Thursday, June 19.

[Translation: Even without the signature, we are going by the premise that it’s already voluntary repatriation. We are urging Filipinos to take it as many countries have told their citizens already to return.]

De Vega said the DFA is not yet recommending raising it to Alert Level 4 or mandatory evacuation as the situation is still not yet a “full-scale” conflict.

De Vega said there are around 1,000 Filipinos in Iran, while around 30,000 are in Israel.

He said at least 178 Filipinos in Israel have now requested repatriation amid the trade of deadly strikes between Israel and Iran.

The Philippine Embassy in Jordan said the first batch of 26 Filipinos is expected to exit Israel through Jordan “in the next few days” to return to the country.

Earlier, a group of Philippine officials evacuated to Jordan after being stuck in Israel during their study visit and training program.

Meanwhile, De Vega said the Philippines is talking with Turkmenistan about a possible exit route for 14 Filipinos in Iran seeking repatriation.