No Pinoys killed in UAE as drone threats intercepted — envoy

There have been no reported deaths of Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the country's defenses against drone attacks remained effective amid tensions in the Middle East, the Philippines' top envoy in Abu Dhabi said Tuesday.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver reported the development on Super Radyo dzBB, saying the Arab nation was in relative calm, with limited flights reportedly set to resume in the coming days. There has been a single case of a Filipino suffering slight physical injuries, Ver said, but no other reports of untoward incidents have been received.

"Panaka-naka na lang and ang magandang balita diyan is that they are intercepted. Very efficient. Mayroon ngang nagsalita dito na kanilang opisyal na they have the best defense," Ver said.

(The good news is that the drone threats are intercepted. The defense is very efficient. An official here even said they have the best defense.)

He said loud explosions heard in the sky are often the result of a drone interception, but no major damage has been reported so far.

Four individuals were reported injured in one incident, Ver said, but none of them were Filipinos. 

The ambassador was referring to the Iranian retaliatory attack at Dubai's international airport, which left four people hurt. The city's landmark Burj Al Arab hotel also recently suffered damage.

Minor injuries

Ver said the only reported incident involving Filipinos is the minor injuries suffered by a woman due to broken glass. 

"Ang pinaka-ano lang natin ay isang kabayan natin sa isang area, at nabugbog ata sa mga broken glass, na she was treated ka agad na ata and she was released," he said.

(The only incident was that one of our countrymen at one area was slightly injured because of broken pieces of glass. She was treated immediately and released from medical care.)

EXPLAINER: Why the US and Israel attacked Iran

Meanwhile, Ver reiterated that residents have been advised to remain indoors and away from windows.

"Kaya stay inside, stay away from your windows, stay away from 'pag may open space na baka matsamba hanggang ng debris. Pero ang direct attack or direct explosion from these drones, thankfully wala pa tayong mga ganoon," he noted. 

(So stay inside, stay away from your windows, stay away from open spaces where debris might accidentally fall. Thankfully we have not had direct attacks or explosions from these drones.)

READ: 'Like thunder': Filipinos in UAE stay home amid Iran’s retaliatory strikes

Business as usual

Despite the continuing tensions in the region, Ver described the situation in the UAE as calm.

"It's napakakalmado dito, business as usual. Bukas kami kahapon. Kung nakikita niyo ang post mismo ng mga Pilipino na nandito na matagal kasi po. Ang nakikita 'yan ang manufactured o na-AI or sometimes exaggerated. Ibang-iba ang sitwasyon dito... walang nagpa-panic buying, walang mga nag-alarma," Ver said.

(It is very calm here, business as usual. We were open yesterday. What you see posted online is sometimes manufactured, AI-generated, or exaggerated. The situation here is very different. There is no panic buying, no alarm.)

He added that the UAE government has extended assistance to stranded travelers, with guests staying in hotels have their extensions covered by the government.)

"Mga rebooking, airlines, they shoulder the cost walang charges," he added.

(Rebooking costs are being shouldered by airlines, with no charges.)

Limited flights

Ver said airports were initially closed until 2 p.m., but later extended to 6 p.m. as limited services are expected to resume.

He said the passengers are advised not to proceed to airports unless instructed by airlines.

Stranded transit passengers in Abu Dhabi were initially placed at less than 300, Ver said.

He added that some stranded passengers have since received updates that flights may resume soon.

"So I don't like to divulge more information… But that's a good sign na flights are being restored," he added.

(I don't want to divulge more information… But that's a good sign that flights are being restored.)

Ver assured that the Philippine Country Team in the UAE, composed of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, continues to coordinate closely with UAE authorities. It remains confident in the host government's capability to protect all residents and foreigners.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that about 2.5 million Filipinos are in the Middle East, mostly in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with around 800 in Iran.

Tensions in the region escalated over the weekend following joint military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Alert Level 2 includes restrictions on non-essential movements, avoiding protests, and preparing for possible evacuation. Alert Level 3 allows voluntary repatriation, while Alert Level 4 calls for mandatory evacuation or repatriation.

Filipinos in need of assistance may contact OWWA emergency hotlines: Metro Manila — 1348; Regional — 02-1348; via Viber — +63-915-079-5005 (Globe), +63-969-169-7068 (Smart), +63-966-473-9543 (Globe). 

— VDV, GMA Integrated News