Deployment of OFWs to Israel still restricted, says DFA

The third batch of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict safely arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Oct. 20, 2023. (File photo from the Facebook page of the Department of Migrant Workers)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday maintained the Crisis Alert Level 2 status in Israel, emphasizing that further deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers in the area remains restricted.

In a statement, DFA Spokesperson Teresita Daza said the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv “continues to recommend” that all non-essential travel from the Philippines to Israel be “postponed indefinitely, or until such time that the situation has stabilized.”

“If travel to Israel is absolutely necessary, Filipinos are advised to follow all precautions,” said Daza.

“All Filipinos in the region are advised to be alert and updated with the security pronouncements of their host governments,” she added.

READ: Israel strikes Iran consulate in Syria: 2 generals, 5 others killed

Under Alert Level 2, Filipinos are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places and prepare for evacuation if necessary.

According to DFA, this Crisis Alert Level status is issued if “there are real threats to the life, security and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability or external threat.”

The DFA made the pronouncement in light of the heightened conflict between Israel and Iran.

READ: PH not issuing travel ban to Israel, Iran after drone attack

Iran on April 13  launched a direct attack on Israel for the first time, firing a wave of more than 300 missiles and drones.

It, however, pointed out that its attack was only a response to the April 1 air strike on Tehran’s consulate building in the Syrian capital Damascus, widely blamed on Israel.