MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez praised President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his commitment to the safety of Filipino citizens in the Middle East, as tensions rise between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.
According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez, who was with President Marcos at the ASEAN Summit in Laos, commended the President’s swift actions in addressing the safety of over 40,000 Filipinos residing in Israel and Lebanon. This included a video conference with Cabinet members to evaluate and enhance the protective measures for these nationals. “The President’s decision to prioritize the safety of our countrymen, even while attending the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summit in Laos, reflects his deep concern and dedication to every Filipino,” Romualdez stated during an interview.
Further emphasizing the government’s proactive stance, Romualdez noted that there is ongoing coordination with the Philippine embassies in the region to facilitate the safe return of those wishing to leave. President Marcos, before his departure to Laos, assured that steps were being taken to secure exit documents and arrange transportation for returning citizens. Additionally, he highlighted that a third of the 1,500 Filipinos in Lebanon who have expressed a desire to return had already been repatriated, with others still processing their travel documents.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are preparing to repatriate at least 162 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel this month. Marcos has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), DMW, and OWWA to keep him updated daily on the situation and the progress of repatriation efforts.
In his remarks, Marcos urged all involved parties to seek a peaceful resolution and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to international law and the protection of its citizens both domestically and abroad.