Senator Mark Villar Raises Alarm Over Safety of OFWs Amid Rising US–Iran Tensions
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Sen. Mark A. Villar expressed grave concern for the safety and welfare of more than 2.4 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East amid the escalating tensions.
The senator stressed the urgent duty of government to protect and account for all Filipinos in the region, particularly in light of reports of Filipino casualties.
“Ang tungkulin natin ngayon ay tiyaking ligtas, protektado, at accounted for ang ating mga kababayan sa Middle East. Mas lalong mabigat ang sitwasyon dahil may naitala na pong pagkamatay ng isang Pilipina, si caregiver Mary Anne Velazquez de Vera, na nasawi habang ginagampanan ang kanyang tungkulin,” Villar said.
Sen. Villar called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to intensify assistance for OFWs, ensure that evacuation plans are in place, and make emergency and repatriation mechanisms immediately accessible should the security situation deteriorate further.
He likewise emphasized the need for migrant workers offices to regularly check on the condition of OFWs on the ground, assess their readiness to evacuate if necessary, and prepare reintegration programs for displaced workers who may lose their jobs due to the crisis.
“Kailangang handa ang gobyerno hindi lamang sa paglikas kundi pati sa pagtulong sa ating mga OFWs na mawawalan ng kabuhayan dahil sa kaguluhan,” Villar added.
The senator assured OFWs and their families that no Filipino will be left behind during this period of heightened regional tension.
OFWs and their families who need assistance may contact the DMW-OWWA Middle East local emergency hotline at 1348 or the overseas hotline at +632 1348.