The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that four Filipinos were injured and hospitalized in Israel following an Iranian attack using missiles and drones. They were in the city of Rehovot, about 20 kilometers from Tel Aviv, when the airstrike hit over the weekend.
An estimated 30,000 OFWs in Israel and Iran have been advised to be cautious as tensions between the two countries heat up. Iran fired missiles toward Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in retaliation for an earlier Israeli attack on Iranian facilities.
According to migration expert Manny Geslani, most Filipinos in Israel are caregivers, while those in Iraq work in companies and factories. They should know where the nearest bomb shelter is and be familiar with air raid sirens.
Geslani also called on the Philippine government to provide protection to Filipinos in US bases in Iraq, who are at greater risk if Iranian attacks intensify.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is on alert to assist OFWs in the Middle East. Filipinos there are reminded to call DMW hotlines if assistance is needed.
