Filipinos in conflict-ridden Iran would likely be enjoined to avail themselves of voluntary repatriation as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is poised to raise the crisis alert level in the region to Alert Level 3 “anytime now,” in view of joint Israel-United States strikes on Iran.

In a radio interview on Sunday, Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the DFA is expected to place Iran under a higher crisis status after Israel and the US launched joint drone and missile attacks that resulted in the deaths of several of Iran’s top leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh.

“I believe anytime now, the DFA will increase the status in Iran to Alert Level 3. That means that anytime they want to be repatriated, they will be made to leave that place. Our embassies have been open 24 hours since last night,” he said, partly in Filipino.

Iran was previously placed under Alert Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) but was downgraded to Alert Level 2 (restriction phase) in July last year, prompted by escalating tensions between the two Middle Eastern countries.

Now that the US has joined Israel in striking Iran, the chances of a ceasefire have further diminished.

Alert Level 3 is the second-highest level that can be raised by the DFA, allowing overseas Filipinos in a conflict zone to be repatriated with expenses shouldered by the government. However, unlike Alert Level 4, repatriation under Alert Level 3 is optional and not mandatory.

There are approximately 800 Filipinos in Iran and 31,000 Filipinos in Israel, according to DFA data.

Trip money

Tulfo said there are sufficient funds for the repatriation of Filipinos in conflict areas following the approval by the bicameral conference committee of an additional P1.3 billion budget for the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, with P800 million and P1.3 million, respectively.

The Philippine Embassy in Iran continues to closely monitor the security situation in the region, according to its advisory.

It also advised Filipinos in Iran to remain vigilant, avoid going to public spaces, and coordinate with the embassy for updates and safety advisories.

Meanwhile, Senator Chiz Escudero urged intensified, coordinated protection measures for Filipinos across the Middle East, where there are an estimated 2.2 million Filipinos.

Escudero argued that advisories alone are insufficient given the magnitude of the threat to the safety of Filipinos in Middle Eastern countries.

He called for the activation of a coordinated Middle East Crisis Command Center to consolidate real-time monitoring, map out safe corridors, and pre-position evacuation assets at ports or airports.

Assistance should likewise be extended to Filipino travelers who may be stranded at airports or transit hubs due to flight cancellations, ensuring they receive timely guidance, temporary support, and clear information on available routes or repatriation options, Escudero said.

“Such a mechanism is not alarmist but a necessary safeguard, especially for our overseas Filipino workers in high-risk areas like Israel and Iran, where mobility may be restricted and communication lines may be disrupted,” he said.