Marcos tasks agencies to ensure safe, orderly return of Pinoys from Iran, Israel

As tension escalates in the Middle East, President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday tasked government offices to take the necessary steps to ensure the safe and orderly return of Filipino workers who wish to avail themselves of voluntary repatriation. 

In a statement, Marcos said the government is already processing over 200 requests for repatriation and ''we are moving quickly to bring them home while others have opted to remain at work.''

''I urge our fellow Filipinos to coordinate with our embassies in Tel Aviv and in Tehran. Please follow their guidance, inform them of your situation, and do not hesitate to ask for assistance,'' Marcos said. 

''Your government continues to act and is ready to serve to protect your safety and well-being. Nothing is more important than the safety of every Filipino,'' he added.

Amid the ongoing hostilities, the Philippine government has raised crisis alert level 3 in Israel and Iran, urging Filipinos in the area to avail of voluntary repatriation.

Marcos said Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac is in Amman, Jordan, and is scheduled to receive the first batch of 26 repatriates from Israel at the King Hussein Crossing.

In Israel, Marcos said the government has already provided food packs and financial help to Filipinos.

''Many are staying in our migrant workers' office hostel with more space ready should it be needed,'' Marcos said.

The President added: ''We continue to monitor our OFW caregiver who remains in hospital— stable but still on oxygen support and a ventilator. We are in touch with her family and are making sure she gets the care that she needs.''

In Iran, Marcos said the embassy is preparing for the repatriation of an initial batch of eight Filipinos in the coming days. 

''Upon arrival in the Philippines, they will receive immediate support from the government, including P150,000 in immediate assistance, some accommodation, transport and livelihood support with training vouchers to help them recover and to start again,'' he said.

Marcos said the government would help with skills training, job matching, startup capital, and support to begin a small business or find new opportunities.

The Philippines has called for de-escalation of tensions and called on concerned parties to pursue diplomacy after the United States struck Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the country, which has a huge presence of workers in the Middle East, is "greatly concerned" over the developments in the region "in these last few hours."—LDF, GMA Integrated News