Marcos calls for peaceful talks, diplomacy in Israel-Iran conflict

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for peaceful talks and diplomacy on the Israel-Iran conflict, especially after the United States launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.

“Ramdam ng pangulo, ramdam ng gobyerno ang alalahanin ng leaders ng iba’t ibang bansa dahil sa umiinit na tensyon sa rehiyon,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters on Monday, June 23.

“Ang panawagan ng pangulo ay magkaroon ng mapayapang pag-uusap at diplomasya para maibsan ang lumalalang hindi pagkasundo,” Castro said.

[Translation: The president and the government share the concern of leaders of various countries due to the escalating tensions in the region. The president calls for peaceful talks and diplomacy to alleviate the heightened conflict.]

She also said the president noted that global peace must prevail.

Senate President Jinggoy Estrada said he stands with those who advocate for restraint, open communication, and the de-escalation of the armed conflict between Israel and Iran.

“While our government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies, is closely monitoring the situation, I urge them to continually reassure our fellow citizens that we are prepared to provide all necessary assistance and protection,” Estrada said on Sunday.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros urged Malacañang to avoid complacency and that the government must prepare measures to safeguard overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East, should the conflict escalate further.

“While it is important for the Pinoy community to remain calm, sana hindi tayo mag-eevacuate kung kailan huli na ang lahat [I hope we will not evacuate Filipinos when it’s too late],” Hontiveros said on Monday.

The DFA on Sunday said it was “greatly concerned” with developments in the Middle East, calling on all parties involved to “take the path of diplomacy.” 

The DFA raised Alert Level 3 on Israel and Iran, which means voluntary repatriation of Filipinos. Alert Level 4 requires mandatory evacuation.

Castro said the government hopes that further escalation will be avoided as the conflict impacts the economy, particularly on oil prices.