Sara Duterte to Filipinos in Middle East: Stay calm, listen to authorities

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed concern Friday for Filipinos working and living in the Middle East amid the escalating tensions in the region. 

In a video message, Duterte underscored the importance of readiness of Filipinos situated in conflict-affected areas and following the advice of authorities to ensure their safety. 

“Pakinggan ang payo ng mga awtoridad para sa maayos na evacuation at iba pang mga importanteng hakbang para sa inyong kaligtasan,” the Vice President said. 

(Heed the advice of the authorities regarding evacuation and other important measures to ensure your safety.) 

“Higit sa lahat, manatili tayong mahinahon at matatag, dala-dala ang ating pananampalataya sa Diyos at pag-asa para sa kapayapaan,” she added. 

(Above all, remain calm and strong, keep your faith in God, and hope for peace.) 

She also called on Filipinos in the Middle East to avoid indulging in fake news and make sure that they are getting information about current events from reliable media organizations.

“To all the governments involved in the conflict, we hope that you will always uphold the norms that safeguard humanity during these challenging times. Sabay sabay nating pangalagaan ang buhay at kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino,” Duterte said. 

(Let's take care of the life and future of every Filipino together.) 

Tensions are high in the Middle East after Israel earlier launched a preemptive attack against Iran, supposedly to deter Tehran's nuclear program.

The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), has called on concerned countries to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East after Israel's airstrikes on Iran.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), meanwhile, has implemented a deployment ban on new hires for Iran and Jordan. 

There is an existing deployment ban in Israel in the aftermath of the conflict with Hamas. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News