The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday said it is ready to provide assistance for the possible repatriation of Filipinos amid the ongoing tension between Israel and Iran.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said no Filipinos have so far expressed interest in returning to the Philippines after Israel and Iran exchanged attacks recently.
“In Iran, there are 2,000 Filipinos there — some married to Iranians, some professionals. The government is ready to take them home if they want to go home. But most of them have become Iranian citizens already,” De Vega said.
“According to Ambassador Jun Laylo, our ambassador in Tel Aviv, no Filipino has so far expressed intention of going home. They trust the Israeli defense,” he added.
The Philippines earlier expressed concern over the tensions between Israel and Iran and urged parties to work on resolving the conflict.
“We urge all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“The Philippines has long advocated for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes,” it added.
Iran launched attacks against Israel over the weekend using drones and missiles in retaliation for a supposed Israeli air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1.
Israel’s alleged attack in Damascus reportedly killed seven Iranian military advisers, including three senior commanders.