Philippine Govt Updated Urged to Prepare Evacuation Plan for OFWs in Middle East

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) president Raymond Mendoza called on President Rodrigo Duterte to prepare an evacuation plan for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East in the event of a sudden escalation of hostilities there after a US strike killed Iran’s top general on Friday.

Raymond Mendoza said in a statement, “We call on the President to convene a multi-government agency panel that would device an early escape plan which would lead or supervise a possible relocation or repatriation of our migrant workers before they are directly affected by the escalating armed conflict in the Middle East region.

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“With the growing instability in that region, there is an urgent need for a Philippine government escape plan that takes every OFWs from harm’s way either by land, sea or air,” Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) president and party-List Rep. Raymond Mendoza said in a statement.

Mendoza, who also chairs the House Committee on Overseas Foreign Workers, said the advance government plan will also bring in advance notice to OFWs and allay anxiety among them and their families back at home.

“There is no harm in being prepared, identifying contingency measures and taking due diligence in anticipation of a worst-case scenario in the Middle East,” he said.

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Advice for Filipinos:

In its advisory, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said, “Filipinos in Iraq are strongly advised to coordinate closely with the Philippine Embassy and their employers in the event mandatory evacuation will be necessary.”

A deployment ban on new workers to Iraq is in effect.

DFA advisory:

“OFWs should have their company IDs and passports in their possession, avoid unnecessary travel and notify the nearest embassy or consulate in case of any perceived security threat. Let us not take these unfolding events lightly.”

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Recent data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration showed the Middle East as the top regional destination of overseas Filipino workers estimated at 1.2 million in that region.