Pinoys in Israel told: Prepare to seek shelter amid US-Israel attack on Iran

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv on Saturday advised Filipinos to remain indoors and to prepare to seek shelter as the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran.

There at least 30,000 workers, mostly caregivers, in Israel, and more than 1,000 in Iran.

The embassy told Filipinos in Israel that public gatherings are currently prohibited and that all institutions and offices are closed, except those that provide essential services.

"We encourage all Filipinos to remain indoors and prepare to seek shelter in a mamada if there is an urgent alert," the embassy advisory said.

President Donald Trump said in a video posted on social media that the US started a "major combat operations in Iran," accusing Iran of continuing to develop its nuclear program.

Trump claimed Iran is developing missiles that can reach the US as he called on the Iranian people to "take over your government."

"It will be yours to take," he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila said it will be issuing an updated advisory soon.

The Philippines is one of the world's top labor-exporting nations with about 10 million skilled and unskilled workers scattered abroad, exposing them to civil strife and armed conflict, abuses, and unfair labor practices.

Remittances from Filipino migrant workers constitute a significant source of the country's foreign exchange as they send home over $35 billion per year. — VDV, GMA Integrated News