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Gov't ready for any eventuality, Palace says amid Middle East conflict

Philippine News Agency

By Darryl John Esguerra
June 23, 2025, 3:36 pm

MANILA -- Malacañang on Monday moved to dispel growing public anxiety over the possibility of a global war, assuring Filipinos that the government is fully prepared to respond to any eventuality amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed all relevant agencies to prioritize the protection and welfare of overseas Filipinos, especially those in high-risk areas.

"Ang gustong iparating ng Pangulo, handa po tayo sa anumang mangyayari. Lahat po ng kailangan ng taumbayan ay tutugunan po ng pamahalaan (What the President wants to convey is that we are ready for whatever may happen. Everything our people need will be addressed by the government)," Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

"'Wag po sila mag-alala dahil ang gobyerno ngayon ay nagtatrabaho para sa ating lahat (They should not worry because the government is working for all of us)."

The Palace made the statement following a surge of fears online over the potential outbreak of World War III, as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify.

The situation escalated further over the weekend after the United States launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

US President Donald Trump has warned of more attacks unless Iran chooses peace, while Tehran vowed to defend itself and accused Washington of military aggression.

In light of these developments, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated its call for calm and diplomacy.

"The Philippines continues to reiterate the need for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to this crisis," the DFA said in an earlier statement.

READ: PH urges diplomacy as Middle East tension heats up after US strikes

Castro echoed this message, saying the President supports efforts to avoid war and maintain peace across the region.

"Ang panawagan din po ng Pangulo ay magkaroon po ng mapayapang pag-uusap at diplomacy para maibsan ang lumalalang gulo (The President is also calling for peaceful dialogue and diplomacy to ease the worsening conflict)," Castro said.

"Kailangan din pong manindigan para sa pandaigdigang kapayapaan para maging matatag ang global community (We must also stand for global peace to ensure the stability of the international community)."

There are over 2.2 million Filipinos in the Middle East, with large populations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain.

Around 30,000 Filipinos live in Israel, mainly working in caregiving and domestic services. In Iran, around 1,180 Filipinos reside, most of whom are married to locals.

Due to the escalating conflict, the Philippines earlier raised Alert Level 3 in both Israel and Iran, encouraging voluntary repatriation and extra precaution.

Government agencies are actively providing assistance to those who wish to return home. (PNA)