As US-Iran tension eases, Filipinos in Middle East decline repatriation — AFP

The Philippine government in January deployed two Navy ships—BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Davap del Sur (LD-602)—to bring home Filipinos in the Middle East. PHILIPPINE NAVY

MANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos in the Middle East have opted to stay in place and declined repatriation as tension between the United States and Iran eased, the military said on Wednesday (March 4).

The Philippine government earlier deployed two Navy ships—BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) and BRP Davap del Sur (LD-602)—to bring home Filipinos. The ships are currently docked at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman.

“Our countrymen have decided not to leave at the moment because of the improved security situation,” said Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo at a forum.

“Relations have improved thanks to prayers and the conflict did not escalate,” he said.

The assassination by the United States of top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in Baghdad last January had driven tensions close to full-blown war between Washington and Tehran.

Tensions have eased in recent weeks but Philippine officials said they were still concerned about the uncertainty of the situation.

The Philippine Navy ships arrived in Oman early last February. Arevalo did not say when these would return to the Philippines.

“When the news broke out that tensions could escalate, we immediately formed a battle staff and conducted consultation with national leadership,” Arevalo said.

He said the deployment was not a waste because though it appeared the vessels would not be bringing Filipinos home, the military still gained from the experience.

“We were able to show that the government is ready to sail this far to show the willingness and readiness of the government to help Filipinos in need,” Arevalo said.

Edited by TSB