AFP 'stands ready' for possible repatriation of Pinoys in Iran, Israel
A drone photo shows the damage over residential homes at the impact site in Tel Aviv following a missile attack from Iran on Israel on June 16, 2025. REUTERS/ Moshe Mizrahi
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured Friday it is prepared to assist in the possible repatriation of Filipinos in Iran and Israel amid the escalating conflict between the two countries.
According to AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, the Philippine military is closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East, particularly the Iran-Israel conflict.
"At this time, our priority is to support the Philippine government's efforts to ensure the safety and possible repatriation of Filipinos in affected areas," said Padilla.
"Should the need arise, the AFP stands ready to assist as directed. We will be guided by the decisions and policies of higher civilian authorities in all actions related to this evolving situation," she said.
Israel bombed multiple targets in Iran last Friday, calling it a "preemptive strike" to stop the Islamic republic from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran, which maintains that its nuclear program is purely for civilian purposes, is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel is not.
The exchange of missile attacks between the two countries have already dragged on for seven days.
The DFA earlier said 26 Filipinos may be repatriated from Israel this weekend via border crossing into Jordan since flight operations are currently suspended.
PH Air Force assets ready
Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) also expressed readiness to deploy aircraft and personnel for repatriation efforts.
"PAF anticipates and prepares for any eventuality that our assets may be utilized for evacuation," said PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo.
"Normally, we use our C-130s for that purpose," she added.
The Philippine government has said it is considering to raise alert levels for Israel and Iran.
Israel is currently at Alert Level 2 or restriction, which is issued if there are real threats to the life, security, and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability, or external threat.
On the other hand, Iran is under Alert Level 1 or precautionary, which is issued when there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability, and/or external threat to the host country.
According to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, Alert Level 3 or voluntary has yet to be declared but the Philippine government is already active as if both countries are under this status. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
2 hours ago
- GMA Network
Pope Leo warns of AI risks to young brains
Pope Leo XIV leads the Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square, at the Vatican, June 15, 2025. REUTERS/ Yara Nardi VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo XIV warned on Friday of the potential consequences of artificial intelligence (AI) on the intellectual development of young people, saying it could damage their grip on reality. Since his election as head of the Catholic Church on May 8, the pope -- a mathematics graduate -- has repeatedly warned of the risks associated with AI but this is the first time he has spoken out exclusively on the subject. "All of us... are concerned for children and young people, and the possible consequences of the use of AI on their intellectual and neurological development," the American pope warned in a written message to participants at the second Rome Conference on AI. "No generation has ever had such quick access to the amount of information now available through AI. "But again, access to data -- however extensive -- must not be confused with intelligence," Leo told business leaders, policymakers and researchers attending the annual conference. While welcoming the use of AI in "enhancing research in healthcare and scientific discovery", the pope said it "raises troubling questions on its possible repercussions" on humanity's "distinctive ability to grasp and process reality". Pope Leo himself has been the target of deep fake videos and audio messages published on social media in recent weeks. An AFP investigation earlier this month identified dozens of YouTube and TikTok pages broadcasting AI-generated messages masquerading as genuine comments from the pope in English or Spanish. A survey from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism this week found significant numbers of young people in particular were using chatbots to get headlines and updates. The Catholic Church has attempted to influence ethical thinking surrounding the use of new technologies in recent years under Leo's predecessor Francis. In 2020, the Vatican initiated the Rome Call for AI Ethics -- signed by Microsoft, IBM, the United Nations, Italy and a host of universities -- urging transparency and respect for privacy. — Agence France-Presse
GMA Network
5 hours ago
- GMA Network
PH raises alert level 3 in Israel and Iran, orders voluntary repatriation
A drone photo shows the damage over residential homes at the impact site following missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/ Moshe Mizrahi The Philippine government on Friday raised crisis alert level 3 in Israel and Iran, urging Filipino workers there to avail of voluntary repatriation amid ongoing armed hostilities between the two Middle Eastern countries. Filipinos there should consider getting themselves and their dependents repatriated to avoid getting caught in the middle of ongoing clashes, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement. Crisis level 3 or voluntary repatriation phase is imposed by the Philippine government on countries with deteriorating security conditions. At least 30,000 workers, mostly caregivers, are in Israel, and more than 1,000 are in Iran. "All overseas Filipinos in Israel and Iran are enjoined to return to the Philippines," the DFA said. "Travel by Filipinos to both these countries is highly discouraged due to the ongoing crisis and the actual closure of their airspace and seaports." Those who wish to leave were advised by the DFA to contact the embassy to coordinate their repatriation. Security alert advisories, the DFA said, "will be subject to periodic review, taking into consideration the situation on the ground." Israel and Iran have traded missile strikes for a week, trapping civilians and foreign nationals on both sides of the conflict, triggering international alarm. ''The Department hopes that parties will cease hostilities soon," the DFA said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
7 hours ago
- GMA Network
OFWs in US face higher remittance tax under Trump 'big' bill
Sandi Agustin counts dollars as she and many other overseas FIlipino workers (OFWs) in America brace for a potential rise in the US tax for money remitted to families in the Philippines under the administration of Donald Trump. DAVE LLAVANES JR. NEW YORK — Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the United States could soon be burdened with higher remittance costs if the proposed One Big, Beautiful Wall Act pushed by US President Donald Trump is enacted into law. Under the proposed measure, a 3.5% excise tax would be imposed on all money sent outside the US, including remittances to the Philippines. This means that non-US citizens sending money to their families back home could soon be paying significantly higher fees. For worker Sandi Agustin, who regularly sends money to relatives in the Philippines, the proposed tax is too heavy a burden. "For me, that's a big increase for ordinary workers like us here in America. Everyone knows that we don't just pick money up off the street here—we work hard for it. And instead of going entirely to our families, part of it will now go to taxes. It's really hard for us," Sandi told GMA Integrated News. Sandi sends money to her family in the Philippines about four times a month. Currently, she pays around $10 in transfer fees each time. But with the proposed excise tax, that amount could skyrocket to as much as $140 per month. "I usually send money weekly or bi-weekly. But if this tax becomes law, I might have to limit it to just once a month. If that's the rule, we'll follow it—we are law-abiding immigrants after all," she added. Arturo Reyes, a dialysis technician, shares Sandi's concern. He appealed to the US government to reconsider or reduce the proposed tax, especially since many Filipinos in America are already struggling to support families back home. According to Reyes, he typically pays $7 to send $1,000 to the Philippines. Under the new proposal, that fee could rise to $35 per $1,000 sent—a 500% increase. "That's a big deal for us because Filipinos here in America work double time just to send money home. I appeal to President Trump—please lower the 3.5%, make it even lower. I hope you understand the situation of all Filipinos here in America," Reyes said. Aside from higher fees, the proposed law also mandates stricter verification requirements for remittance centers, raising concerns that it might expose the immigration status of some senders, especially those who are undocumented. The United States remains the largest source of remittances to the Philippines, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Last year alone, Filipino workers in the US sent about $14 billion back home. If passed, the One Big, Beautiful Wall Act could significantly impact the flow of remittances from the US, affecting countless Filipino families who rely on that financial lifeline for daily expenses, education, and medical needs. As of now, the bill is still pending in the US Congress, and many OFWs are closely watching developments, hoping for a more favorable outcome. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
