Marcos calls on factions in Middle East conflict to exercise restraint

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged all parties involved in the Middle East tensions to exercise restraint as he expressed hope for a swift ceasefire to end the hostilities.

During a press conference, Marcos clarified that the Philippines will not call for a ceasefire, saying the country is not a party to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

“It’s not. We are not a party to any of this. Of course, we want the fighting to stop. But the Philippines is not going to call for a ceasefire,” Marcos said.

He added, “The only people who can call for a ceasefire are those who are involved. We are only involved tangentially, because of our people who are there,” he added.

Marcos said the Philippines has expressed support for the countries under attack and “we have made our feelings known that we hope this crisis ends as quickly as possible.”

He also stressed that the Philippine government is coordinating for the safety of its citizens abroad.

“But let me say this: if it will help, let’s hope for a ceasefire. We ask all parties to show restraint and bring this to a close as quickly as possible,” Marcos added.

The United States and Israel on Saturday launched attacks on Iran, accusing the country of developing nuclear weapons intended for use against them.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Filipinos in Iran and Israel to shelter in place and avoid high-risk areas, as both countries remain at alert level 2.

The Department of National Defense clarified that the tensions in the Middle East pose no direct threat to the Philippines, since the country is not involved in the conflict.—MCG, GMA Integrated News