DFA lowers security alert for Pinoys in Iran

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) downgraded Friday its travel alert for Filipinos in Iran, citing "positive developments" on the security situation in the Middle East state.

Level 2 or Restriction Phase takes effect immediately, the DFA said. 

Manila enforced Alert Level 3, offering voluntary repatriation for Filipinos, last month due to alarming exchange of missile attacks between Iran and its long-time enemy Israel. Deployment of workers and unnecessary travel were likewise suspended.

Despite the lowering of the alert level, the Philippine Embassy in Tehran will continue facilitating the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos, the DFA said.

"The Department will closely monitor the situation in the region and will update the alert levels, as necessary," it added.

Israel began attacking Iran last June 13, saying the country was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israel, denied the accusation, noting its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes as a party to the international Non-Proliferation Treaty.

After a week of hostilities, US bombed Iran's key nuclear facilities—Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow—and called the strikes a "spectacular military success."

A ceasefire was declared on June 24, but the Philippines, which has more than a million Filipino workers in the Middle East, called for continued deescalation of tensions and urged concerned parties to pursue diplomacy.

Around 30,000 mostly Filipino caregivers are based in Israel and over 1,100 in Iran. — VDV, GMA Integrated News