 |
| Some of the 80 OFWs assisted by MWO Hong Kong |
(UPDATED)
At least one Filipino has been reported killed in the renewed conflict the Middle East.
Mary Ann V. de Vera, a 32-year-old caregiver from Basista, Pangasinan, was killed in a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel on the evening of Feb 28. Her identity was confirmed through biometric records by her husband who also works in Israel.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. announced the death in a video recording published on Sunday night, and extended his condolences.
The latest outbreak of violence was sparked by the US-Israel bombing in Iran which killed the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,a and stranded travellers to and from the affected areas, many of them overseas Filipino workers.
Hong Kong, a stopover for many OFWs bound for the Middle East, has 80 stranded OFWs because their flights to the Middle East had been cancelled, according to the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) Hong Kong.
An MWO Team is at the airport to give guidance, food and basic
needs and referrals if needed. The team will remin at the airport to help the
OFWs. It urged thise who know of anyone stranded in Hong Kong International
Airport to call its hotline: (+852) 5529-1880.
 |
| PINDUTIN DITO |
Filipinos needing urgent assistance can also call its
round-the-clock hotline at +972 54 466 1188.
The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah advises Filipino
travelers with upcoming flights entering or leaving the Kingdom to contact
their respective airlines in anticipation of possible flight disruptions.
President Fardinand R. Marcos Jr. said: “Sa ngayon, wala
tayong natatanggap na ulat na may Pilipinong nasawi o nasaktan. Patuloy ang
ating pagbabantay para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan. (Right now we have
not received reports of Filipinos killed or injured. We are continuing to
monitor, to ensure the welfare of our people.”
 |
| Basahin ang detalye! |
He earlier directed the Department of Foreign Affairs, the
Department of Migrant Workers and Philippine embassies across the Middle East
to activate contingency measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos.
According to DMW, 1.113 million Filipinos live and work in the
Middle East as of December 2025. United Arab Emirates accounted for 397,892; Saudi
Arabia, 386,699; Qatar, 160,890; Kuwait, 106,364; Bahrain, 21,129 and Isarel, 7,473
OFWs.
The Philippine embassies in the Middle East have urged their
constituents to "remain calm and follow official advisories," while
staying indoors or seeking shelter away from military sites.
Filipino nationals are advised to remain vigilant and
exercise prudence at this time.
* Ensure that important documents, such as passports and
iqamas, are readily accessible.
* Stay updated through reliable news sources and official
advisories.
* Remain at home and limit movement unless absolutely
necessary.
* Maintain at least three (3) days’ supply of food, water,
medicines, and other essential items. Keep your communication devices charged.
* Avoid mass gatherings and crowded areas.
As this developed, the Defense Department said it is ready
to mobilize its facilities to bring the Filipinos home if it becomes necessary.
