Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola described the security situation as “fluid” as missile strikes between Israel and Iran continue to escalate.
“It’s hard to say. If you look at the news reports, it seems like things are getting worse. But here, when you go outside, you see more and more people out on the streets,” she said.
The first group of Filipino nationals has managed to cross the Israeli border into Jordan, led by engineer Edsel Sarquilla, followed by four tourists and one fellow worker.
The six evacuees were received by Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo Santos and other officials in Amman, who have begun conducting border inspections ahead of more expected arrivals.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv coordinated closely with Israeli authorities to ensure their safe passage amid closed airports and mounting regional tension.
Five Filipino students who were stranded in Israel while studying in Europe also received assistance in crossing the border out of the conflict zone.
Mendiola also confirmed that eight Filipinos have been injured since fighting began on June 13, when Israel launched a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
One Filipino remains in critical condition, while seven others have been discharged from hospitals.
Despite the deteriorating security, many Filipino workers are hesitant to return home due to the closure of Ben Gurion airport, which has made it difficult for them to access savings.
Mendiola explained that most OFWs prefer to wait for outbound flights from Tel Aviv to resume before deciding to leave.
Meanwhile, preparations are also underway to repatriate 14 Filipino workers from Iran, in coordination with embassies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan.
Each returning overseas worker will receive PHP150,000 in aid, split equally between the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is also on standby to provide further assistance upon their arrival in the Philippines.
The deployment ban to Israel, imposed in October 2023 during the height of the Israel-Hamas war, remains in effect.
