The Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs must plan necessary measures to ensure the safety of about 4,000 overseas Filipinos in Turkey following the bombing incident in Istanbul on 13 November.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, said yesterday his office is likewise keeping in touch with the DMW and DFA to confirm that no Filipino has been hurt during the Istanbul blast.

However, the untoward incident killed at least six residents and injured 81 people at the blast site.

"The situation of migrant workers in Turkey is fraught with too much danger that's why I implore the DMW and DFA to prepare for a contingency plan should this situation escalate," Tulfo said.

He added that the government should be ready to evacuate the overseas Filipino workers if needed.

"While the estimated 4,000 OFWs in Turkey are safe, we continue to monitor the situation to make sure they are all safe in abroad," Tulfo said.

He emphasized that it is now time for the DMW and DFA along with other concerned agencies of the government to strengthen their collaboration in lieu of the protection of every OFW.