More Pinoys in Iran, Israel seeking repatriation

The number of Filipinos seeking repatriation from Israel and Iran has gone up to more than 100, with 24 of them making the request immediately after Israel launched its first missile and drone strikes last week.

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Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said that of the 109 Filipinos who opted for repatriation, 85 had already been waiting to be sent back to the Philippines even before Israel launched its attack on Iran.

"So far, 24 have manifested their wish to come home after the attack on Iran. This is a live count, it is increasing every day," Cacdac told ANC yesterday.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said measures are in place to cushion the impact of rising global oil prices on the country's vulnerable sectors as Israel and Iran continue to fire missiles at each other.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Department of Energy officer-in-charge Sharon Garin assured Malacañang that the DOE is closely watching the situation in the Middle East.

Oil companies are required to have a 30-day inventory of fuel, Castro said.

"If the price of crude oil increases by more than $80 per barrel, the subsidy for fuel for public transport and fisherfolk will be triggered," Castro said at a press briefing.