The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Thursday that 150 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel will be repatriated due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac, currently en route to Jordan via Beirut, said the repatriation aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive. “While mandatory repatriation isn’t in place yet, we’re assisting those who wish to return home,” Cacdac said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
He emphasized that the situation remains highly fluid. “I can’t give a specific timeline for the repatriation, but our first batch will be heading home soon,” he added.
Cacdac described the current missile exchanges between the two countries as unprecedented, calling the scale of conflict unlike anything previously seen—even compared to past hostilities since the October 7 Hamas attack.
Despite the tension, he noted Israel’s well-established safety protocols, including access to bomb shelters in most public and private residences.
Of the five Filipinos injured in the recent strikes, three have been discharged, one is in recovery, and one remains in critical condition. Meanwhile, 67 Filipinos have reportedly lost their homes due to the violence.
Since the Hamas attacks last year, a total of 1,333 Filipinos have been repatriated, while 74 others still in Israel have received government aid.
Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran six days ago, reportedly to counter its nuclear threat.