Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro holds a press briefing on June 16, 2025. (Courtesy: RTVM / Screenshot) 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered key government agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, according to Malacañang on Monday.

In a Palace briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have been directed to take all necessary measures to assist affected Filipinos abroad and their families back home.

“The DMW and OWWA should ensure the safety and well-being of the OFWs affected by the tension here in the Middle East,” Castro said.

“There will be—right now the DFA, DMW, and OWWA are in crisis mode and on heightened alert to help the OFWs and their families,” she added.

As part of the government’s response, a 24/7 Middle East Help Desk has been established by OWWA to provide faster and more accessible assistance to overseas workers in need.

When asked whether forced repatriation is on the table, Castro said the situation has not yet reached that point but assured that the government is prepared to take such action if necessary.

“We have not yet reached that point, but our agencies are ready if needed,” she said.

The heightened alert status comes amid rising regional instability, prompting concerns for the safety of thousands of Filipinos working in the Middle East, one of the top destinations for Philippine labor migrants.

The DMW earlier reported that 18 OFWs have so far been repatriated from Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Iran. — Charles Dantes

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