PH on voluntary repatriation mode for Filipinos in Israel, Iran

Metro Manila, Philippines - The government is on voluntary repatriation mode for Filipinos in Israel and Iran as the conflict escalates between the two neighbors.

All Filipinos in Israel and Iran are “enjoined to return” to the country, while travel by Filipinos to these two nations is “highly discouraged,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday, June 20, as it raise Alert Level 3 of a four-step warning system for overseas Filipinos.

Alert Level 4 is raised in case of a full-blown internal conflict or external attack, and would trigger mandatory evacuation procedures.

“The department hopes that parties will cease hostilities soon,” it said, adding the alert levels will be subject to periodic review.

According to the DFA, Alert Level 3 is issued “when violent disturbances or external aggression occur in a limited area.”

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega earlier urged Filipinos in the two countries to voluntarily return even without the formal declaration. 

The DFA said those who want to avail of voluntary repatriation, which will be shouldered by the government, should contact:

- the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel through +972 54 466 1188 or telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph

- the Philippine Embassy in Tehran, Iran through +989 12 213 6801 or tehran.pe@dfa.gov.ph.

Israel mounted a surprise attack on Iran on June 12, and the trade of missile attacks have continued.

At least seven Filipinos in Israel have been injured, including one in critical condition.

So far, over 170 Filipinos in Israel have requested repatriation. A batch of 26 Filipinos is expected to exit Israel through Jordan before flying to the Philippines by the weekend.

De Vega earlier said 14 Filipinos in Iran have also expressed intention to return to the country.