LIVE UPDATES: Conflict in the Middle East

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and fears of potential oil supply disruption, several senators on Monday urged the government to step up protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) while preparing economic safeguards for a possible fuel price spike.

With more than 2.4 million documented OFWs in the region, lawmakers emphasized the twin risks posed by the conflict: the safety of Filipinos abroad and the potential oil shock if tensions affect the Strait of Hormuz, a key global supply route.

Between 80 and 100 Filipinos in Dubai have expressed their intention to return to the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Monday.

However, with airspace still closed, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the Philippine government is assisting affected Filipinos, including transport to safer areas and in-country evacuation support.

“Those 80 in Dubai who requested repatriation, since it is not yet possible, have been transported to safer ground,” Cacdac told reporters during a Palace briefing.

Philippine military and security officials said Monday that tensions in the Middle East will have no direct threat to the country’s security following a call by a senator to review the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between Manila and Washington. 

“As such, there is no credible direct threat to the Philippines or facilities therein. Iran launched attacks on US facilities in countries that it shares maritime or land borders with. The Philippines poses no threat to Iran,” said Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong. 

The DND added that the EDCA sites in the country are not managed by the US. 

Overseas voter registration in the Middle East continues as Philippine foreign posts remain operational despite the ongoing conflict in the region, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday.

“As of March 2, overseas voter registration activities in Philippine Embassies and Consulates in the Middle East affected by the ongoing tensions and escalations continue, as Philippine foreign posts remain open for consular services, including overseas voter registration,” the Comelec said in a statement.

At least 45 flights to and from the Philippines have been either canceled or diverted as of March 2, 2026 due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) reported.

There were 42 flights canceled and three flights diverted as of 9 a.m. on Monday, CAAP data showed.

No Filipino in Iran was reported killed or injured amid the airstrikes launched by the United States and Israel, Philippine Ambassador to Iran Roberto Manalo said Monday.

"Sa kabutihang palad wala pa naman kaming nababalitaan na mga (Fortunately, we have not received any report on) untoward incidents or casualties among our Filipino community here. We are in constant connection with them through Whatsapp, Viber, email, social media. Anytime na nagkakainternent madali namin silang nakocontact (We were able to contact them whenever there is internet signal)," Manalo said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday reaffirmed its support for Filipino teachers in the Middle East who may be affected by the evolving security situation, assuring them that a reintegration pathway into the country’s public school system is available.

In a press release issued March 2, DepEd said returning educators may apply under the Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir (SPIMS) Program, a reintegration initiative implemented in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the department’s commitment to assisting teachers who choose to return home.

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines mourned the death of Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, the Filipina caregiver who was killed amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a press statement Monday, the embassy expressed condolences to the kin of De Vera, who died after sustaining injuries in an Iranian airstrike on Tel Aviv on February 28.

At least 54 Filipinos in Israel have expressed interest to be repatriated amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East,  Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said Monday.

In an interview on Unang Balita, Mendiola said there were 32 tourists and 22 overseas Filipino workers who have signified interest to return to the Philippines.

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump warned on Sunday that combat operations in Iran were continuing and would carry on until all of Washington's objectives are achieved.

Trump confirmed in a video posted on Truth Social that three US service members had been killed and said there would likely be more casualties, vowing to avenge the deaths of Americans.