Bong Go urges DFA, DMW to protect OFWs amid Middle East tensions

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Filipinos abroad as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran.

With thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in the Middle East, Go stressed the importance of swift government action and close coordination with Philippine embassies to monitor developments and prepare contingency measures.

“Patuloy ang bangayan sa pagitan ng Israel at Iran. Hindi natin hawak ang mga mangyayari, pero hawak natin ang responsibilidad na siguraduhing ligtas ang mga kababayan natin sa labas ng bansa,” Go said during a press statement, urging government agencies to be proactive.

The recent series of airstrikes and retaliatory missile attacks in the region have raised fears of a wider conflict that could put OFWs at risk. While no Filipino casualties have been reported so far, Go emphasized that emergency plans must already be in place.

“Kailangang may malinaw na plano para sa agarang paglikas kung kinakailangan. Dapat ready ang mga embahada, pati na ang mga support system ng ating gobyerno,” he said.

He also advised Filipinos abroad to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and keep communication lines open with embassy officials for any needed assistance.

Go reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to OFWs, recalling his role as co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11641, which created the Department of Migrant Workers to provide streamlined and effective services to Filipino migrant workers.

The law, signed in December 2021 under former President Rodrigo Duterte, consolidated key agencies into one department tasked with protecting OFWs and delivering timely support.

Apart from legislation, Go continues to push for healthcare support for migrant workers. He has filed Senate Bill No. 2297, seeking to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga. The hospital was launched during the Duterte administration in partnership with the provincial government of Pampanga.

To strengthen the hospital’s capabilities, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 2990, which aims to double its bed capacity from 50 to 100, upgrade medical equipment, and improve staffing levels. Additionally, his proposed Senate Bill No. 2414—also known as the OFW Ward Act — seeks to mandate all Department of Health hospitals to establish dedicated wards for OFWs and their families.

Go underscored that legislation must be complemented by real-time response, especially in regions facing armed conflict. He pointed to past successful repatriation efforts that were carried out swiftly through government coordination.

“Iisa lang ang panawagan ko — iligtas at ingatan ang bawat Pilipino, saan man siya naroroon,” Go concluded.