TEL AVIV, Israel — Amidst increasing missile attacks by Iran, Alert Level 3 has been raised in Israel with the Philippine Embassy issuing a notice to Filipinos to urge them to return home at the first sign of imminent danger.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised the crisis alert level not only in Israel but in Iran as well, calling for the voluntary repatriation of overseas Filipinos as tensions rose between the two countrirs.
According to the DFA, the new alert level was enforced “effective immediately” as it warned against non-essential travel to the conflict-stricken areas.

“All overseas Filipino workers (OFs) in Iran and Israel are enjoined tp return (home) to the Philippines,” the notice advised.

“Travel by Filipinos to both these countries is highly discouraged due to the ongoing crisis and the actual closure of their air space and seaports,” it added.

Based on government data, an estimated 30,742 Filipinos are currently residing in Israel while 1,180 are in Iran,

The DFA enthused that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who wish to avail themselves of government-assisted repatriation are advised to coordinate with the Philippine embassies in their respective host countries.

The agency, however, has yet to announce the specific repatriation arrangements or flights as air travel remains uncertain due to regional security concerns.

Assistance may also be requested through email at telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph or tehran.pe@dfa.govh.
The raising of alert levels comes amid fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East, prompting the Philippine government to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of OFWs deployed in Israel and Iran.

Israel's war with Iran entered its second week with the Israeli military chief warning of a "prolonged campaign" and Tehran ruling out further nuclear talks with the United States until Israel halts its attacks.