DMW offices in Middle East on heightened alert amid Israel-Iran crisis
Rescue personnel work at an impact site following a missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Rishon LeZion, Israel on June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has placed all of its offices across the Middle East on heightened alert as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise.
At the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said the directive came from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
"Naka-heightened alert po ngayon ang DMW. Lahat ng front offices lalo na ang Migrant Offices sa Israel, Jordan, Lebanon at iba pang bansa sa Middle East, dahil sila ang apektado sa kaguluhan," said Olalia.
(The DMW is on heightened alert. The order covers all of its front offices and Migrant Offices in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and other countries in the Middle East because these areas are affected by the conflict.)
"Nakahanda po ang DMW at ang OWWA sakaling mag-escalate po ang kaguluhan at 'yung regional conflict diyan ay lumawak pa. Hindi lang po ang Israel at Iran ang aming binabantayan kundi lahat ng Middle East countries," Olalia added, referring to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
(The DMW and OWWA are ready should the conflict escalate and the regional conflict spread. We are not just monitoring Israel and Iran, but all Middle East countries.)
All labor attachés and staff are now on 24/7 duty, with leaves canceled and hotlines fully operational round-the-clock.
"Walang holiday, walang weekend. Lahat ng hotlines may nakaantabay. Ready tayo for any emergency," Olalia said.
(No holidays, no weekends off. All hotlines are on standby. We are ready for any emergency.)
The DMW also activated its 24/7 hotline for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families:
Within PH: 1348
Outside PH: +63 2 1348
Olalia assured that contingency measures are in place should the situation worsen.
"Tayo po ay nakahanda na tumulong sa kanila, i-rescue sila at i-repatriate. Kami na po sa DMW ang bahalang magbayad sa airfare ninyo. Kami na rin sa accommodation ninyo. Kami na rin ang bahala kung cancelled ang commercial flights. Kokontakin din po namin ang mga pamilya niyo para kayo ay salubungin," he said.
(We are ready to assist, rescue, and repatriate affected OFWs. Let us say to them, the DMW will pay for your airfare and accommodations. We will also handle your transportation in case commercial flights are cancelled. We will contact your families to meet you upon arrival.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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