11 overseas Filipinos evacuated from Iran amid Middle East conflict —DFA 

Eleven overseas Filipinos from Iran have safely evacuated to Van, Turkey amid the tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. 

The evacuation was made possible through efforts of the Philippines embassies in Tehran and Ankara.

The 11 Filipinos are scheduled to depart for the Philippines in the coming days, the DFA said. 

“The DFA, through the Philippine Embassy in Tehran, remains committed to assisting the estimated 800 Filipinos currently residing in Iran who may wish to return to the Philippines,” the Foreign Affairs department said in a statement. 

“Filipinos seeking assistance are advised to contact the Embassy through the contact numbers and official channels posted on its website and social media pages,” it added. 

Data from the Philippine government showed there are a total of 1,979 Filipinos in nine countries in the Middle East who are seeking repatriation. The country with the most number of OFWs who wish to go home is Kuwait with 633. 

However, the airspace in the region is still closed due to the conflict. 

The United States and Israel earlier launched joint military operations against Iran, escalating tensions in the region.

The Israeli military said that Iran retaliated with missile strikes toward Israel. The Pentagon has officially designated the American strikes as Operation Epic Fury. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News