No emergency evacuation yet for Pinoys in Israel, Iran

There is no need yet for mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran, President Marcos said yesterday, as the raging hostilities between the two countries threaten to further escalate and undermine the global economy.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

Speaking to reporters in Quezon City, Marcos said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac is set to travel to Jordan to coordinate the evacuation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran who had sought assistance from the government.

"Of course, we are watching our nationals both in Israel and in Iran. And as a matter of fact, we have already contacted all our nationals and asked them if they want to be evacuated," the President said.

"Some have asked to be evacuated out of Israel. Some in Iran, at first, did not want to leave. But now, some are saying they need to. They are afraid so they are seeking help so they can leave," he added.

Asked if the government would raise the status of the situation in Israel and Iran to Alert Level 4 or mandatory repatriation, Marcos replied: "No, not yet. We generally leave it to each individual or each family to decide for themselves whether or not they feel safe, or whether or not they would like to be evacuated."

Israel is under Alert Level 2 or restriction phase. Under this alert level, only returning overseas Filipino workers with existing employment contracts are permitted to go back to their destination country to resume their employment.

But last night, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it may "temporarily" raise the alert level in Israel from 2 (restriction phase) to 3 or voluntary repatriation, due to escalating hostilities.

The DFA also said 21 Filipinos—including 17 officials—managed to cross from Israel into Jordan and are awaiting flight to Manila. Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said they are expected to arrive in Manila by weekend.

Marcos said the shutdown of several airports is posing problems to evacuation efforts. "We are looking for a route where they can leave. But we have been able to do that," he added.