AFP ready for humanitarian, evacuation ops amid Middle East conflict

The country’s military and police forces are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East following recent airstrikes in the region.

The Department of National Defense (DND) assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to assist in humanitarian and evacuation operations amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said they are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other concerned agencies.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines stands ready to assist in humanitarian and evacuation operations, if directed,” Andolong said in a statement.

“The DND and the AFP are ready to respond to probable contingencies, including possible repatriation support and crisis response coordination of Filipinos in affected countries should conditions warrant further action,” he added.

Andolong also urged the public to be vigilant against disinformation and condemned those who raise unnecessary panic.

He said there is no credible direct threat to the Philippines or to Filipinos and other foreigners in the country.

In a separate statement, AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margaret Padilla affirmed the military is ready to provide support under the orders of the national government.

Padilla also urged the public to remain calm, discerning, and rely on official sources for accurate information. 

"The spread of unverified reports and disinformation only creates unnecessary concern," Padilla said.

For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said its units have been directed to “maintain vigilance and continue standard security measures as part of routine precautionary measures.” 

“We remain in close coordination with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure preparedness and safeguard key establishments and the public nationwide,” it said in a statement on Sunday night.

On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched airstrikes in Iran, as US President Donald Trump accused Iran of continuing to develop its nuclear program.

Israel announced that it has launched another wave of strikes in Iran on Sunday, after the killing of the Iranian supreme leader.

The Department of Migrant Workers earlier reported that Filipinos have so far remained safe after the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF/JMA, GMA Integrated News