DFA lowers alert level for Filipinos in Israel

The Philippines on Monday downgraded the security alert warning for Filipinos Israel, citing the easing of the confict in the country.

"In view of the positive developments in the security situation in Israel, the Department of Foreign Affairs lowers the Alert Level in Israel from Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation) to Level 2 (Restriction Phase), effective immediately," the DFA said in a statement.

The Philippines, which has over two million Filipino migrants in the Middle East, earlier welcomed the ceasefire agreed by Israel and Iran last week, but called for continued dialogue to permanently end the armed conflict between the two countries.

Manila said it was "hopeful" that the temporary cessation in hostilities would be "a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace in the region."

There are around 30,000 mostly  Filipino caregivers in Israel and over 1,100 in Iran.

The DFA, meanwhile, said it would "closely monitor the situation in the region and will update the alert levels as necessary." –NB, GMA Integrated News