NATION

DFA: 3 of 7 Pinoys wounded in Saudi attacks, in critical condition

Edjen Oliquino · Oct 19, 2026, 8:30 PM

FLAMES on the runway Firefighters douse the burned wreckage of what appears to be a Saudia aircraft at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, amid reports of a Houthi missile attack on the Saudi capital. Hundreds were wounded and about a dozen were killed, authorities say. — PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THECREWLOUNGE/IG

Seven Filipinos were wounded in the ongoing deadly attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in several parts of Saudi Arabia, with three of whom are in critical condition, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Monday.

The Philippines denounced the attacks as a “grave threat” to regional peace and stability, and strongly called on all parties to end hostilities and to pursue a peaceful resolution through diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia is home to the majority of the over 2.4 million overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East.

The DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers are closely coordinating with Saudi authorities to ensure necessary medical care and assistance for Filipinos affected by the conflict.

The department also reaffirmed the Philippines’ solidarity with Saudi Arabia in its effort to protect its nationals, including nearly one million Filipinos.

“[The] Philippine government extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks in several areas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” the DFA said.

The DFA advised Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to strictly monitor the situation and follow the guidance of Saudi authorities and to remain in close contact with the Embassy and Consulate General,

Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched a deadly attack on 10 October on Saudi Arabia’s main international gateway, King Khalid International Airport, killing 13 people and wounding more than 300 others.

The incident was followed by another strike the day after, killing a Pakistani resident and injuring 11 more. A series of missile and drone attacks followed in several areas of Saudi Arabia, leaving airport operations severely disrupted.

Saudi Arabia has since retaliated and launched a massive counteroffensive in response to an escalating campaign against its airports, international shipping lanes, and oil infrastructure, among others.

Over the weekend, the DMW announced that nearly 300 Filipinos in Saudi Arabia are scheduled to return to the Philippines from Monday, 19, to Sunday, 25 October, amid regional tensions and flight disruptions.