Marcos hopes for Mideast ceasefire

President Marcos is hoping for a ceasefire in the Middle East as concerns mount over further disruptions in international supply chains and in global security as the effects of the US-Israel attacks on Iran continue to spread.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

Speaking to Palace reporters yesterday, Marcos said the Philippines cannot call for a ceasefire since it is not a party to the conflict, but it wants an end to the war, which erupted after the US and Israel launched strikes in Iran last Saturday.

"We are only involved tangentially, if you want to call it that, because of our people who are there. So, we have expressed support for the countries that have come under attack and we have made our feelings known that we hope that this crisis ends as quickly as possible," the President said in a hastily called press briefing after a special Cabinet meeting at Malacañang.

"But let me do it now. If it will help, let's hope that there is a ceasefire, and we, the Philippines, ask all parties to show restraint and to bring this to a close as quickly as possible," he added.

Marcos said the Philippines continues to seek assistance especially from its friends in the region to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the Middle East. Some 2.5 million Filipinos live or work in the region.