20 hours ago
PH Embassy in Tel Aviv recommends lowering Alert Level in Israel amid ceasefire
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has recommended the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to downgrade the Alert Level in Israel from Level 3 to Level 2, following a ceasefire agreement between the Jewish state and Iran.
This was according to the DFA's Office of Middle East and African Affairs, JP Soriano reported on X.
JUST IN: The P.E. in Tel Aviv has recommended that the DFA lower the current Alert Level in Israel from Level 3 to Level 2, following the ceasefire agreement between #Israel & #Iran according to the DFA's Office of Middle East & African Affairs, @gmanews — JP Soriano (@jpsoriano) June 26, 2025
The recommendation is subject to the assessment and approval of the the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Alert Level 3, which currently covers Israel, calls for voluntary repatriation and the restriction of non-essential movement due to security concerns. Lowering it to Level 2 would indicate a reduced threat level, allowing for increased mobility and a return to normal activities with caution.
The ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced earlier this week, easing tensions after Israel launched a series of attacks on the Islamic republic that prompted the Philippine government to offer voluntary repatriation to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the region.
While repatriation efforts continue, the DFA earlier confirmed that many of the 30,000 OFWs have chosen to remain in Israel despite the risks, citing stability in their communities and employment.
The DFA said it will continue to monitor developments closely and conduct further risk assessments in coordination with Philippine missions and local authorities in Israel.
On Wednesday, Iran reopened the airspace over the country's eastern portion, state media reported, following a ceasefire with Israel that ended 12 days of fighting.
Iran had closed its skies since June 13 after Israel launched a major bombing campaign that prompted Iran to retaliate with waves of missile strikes.
GMA News Online has reached out to the DFA for comment but the department has yet to respond as of the posting of this story. —Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News
