Marcos orders full alert for Filipinos as Iran-Israel tensions escalate

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday moved to ensure the safety of Filipinos across the volatile Middle East region, directing government agencies to activate contingency measures as tensions flare between Iran and Israel following reports of fresh airstrikes.

“We have received reports of airstrikes which hit Iran. We are in the process of getting more information,” Marcos said in his X (formerly Twitter) post.

“In the meantime, the safety of Filipino citizens in Iran and in the Middle East is paramount," he added.

The President ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to immediately determine the whereabouts of Filipinos in affected areas and implement steps to guarantee their safety.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines is “concerned about the escalation of the situation in the Middle East region” and urged all parties to “resort immediately to dialogue and negotiations to bring peace and stability to the region.”

According to Lazaro, Philippine embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv have been placed on full alert, alongside posts in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries where large Filipino communities reside.

“The President is deeply concerned for the safety of Filipinos in Iran, Israel, and all the countries in the region,” Lazaro said, noting that embassies are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with host governments.

The DFA reported that, so far, no Filipinos have been harmed or affected by the recent strikes.

However, embassies remain on standby to provide assistance if necessary.

Filipinos in Iran, Israel, and neighboring states have been advised to stay indoors, remain in safe locations, and avoid public areas until further notice.

The Middle East has been on edge amid intensifying hostilities, raising fears of a broader regional conflict that could endanger millions, including thousands of overseas Filipino workers stationed across the region.

Malacañang said it will continue to monitor developments and provide updates once more information becomes available.