Officials from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the escalating tensions in the Middle East, as several countries remain under varying alert levels.

During a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps on March 2, 2026, PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro joined DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan in addressing concerns over the ongoing crisis and its impact on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Alert Levels across the Middle East

Responding to questions about the current alert levels, OWWA clarified that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is responsible for setting the official classifications.

Based on the latest information:

• Oman – No alert level

• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – No alert level

• Jordan – Alert Level 1

• United Arab Emirates – Alert Level 2

• Bahrain – Alert Level 2

• Kuwait – Alert Level 2

• Qatar – Alert Level 2

• Israel – Alert Level 2

• Lebanon – Alert Level 3

Officials emphasized that Alert Level 2 is already sufficient to impose a deployment ban on newly hired workers.

“Alert level 4 is mandatory repatriation,” Cacdac explained. “But alert level 2 is good enough to impose a deployment ban, especially for newly hired workers. On the DMW side, we will take appropriate action to enforce or implement the alert levels.”

Situation in the Strait of Hormuz

The DMW also addressed concerns about Filipino seafarers following reports from the International Maritime Organization that three vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with some ships reportedly catching fire.

Cacdac said the government is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining constant communication with affected seafarers.

“We’re working closely with their licensed manning agencies and the ship owners to assure their safety and well-being,” he said, noting that there are minor concerns regarding food supplies.

He added that the DMW is coordinating efforts to assist the seafarers and, if necessary, facilitate their safe exit from the area.

“This is not the first time that we’re handling a ship with seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz,” Cacdac said. “We’re working with their agencies and ship owners to get them out of the area.”

Filipinos in Iran

On the situation of Filipinos in Iran, the DMW said it is coordinating with the DFA and Philippine Ambassador to Tehran to ensure their safety.

Cacdac reported that there have been no confirmed cases of harmed Filipinos in Iran.

The number of OFWs in Iran is significantly lower compared to Gulf countries, partly due to a previous deployment ban and earlier repatriations last year. According to the DMW, there are around 80 OFWs currently in Iran.

Most Filipinos in the country — estimated by DFA records to be around 1,400 — are married to Iranian nationals and living with their families. Many OFWs are also based outside the capital, Tehran, working in agricultural and other sectors.

“All of them are in good condition,” Cacdac said.

Possible Alert Level 4 in Iran, Syria, Iraq

Asked about reports that Iran, Syria, and Iraq may be under Alert Level 4, Cacdac confirmed that Iraq and Syria already have higher alert classifications in place.

As for Iran, he said the DMW would coordinate with the DFA for confirmation. Regardless of whether the alert level is 3 or 4, he noted that a total deployment ban is already being enforced for Iran, and Filipino workers there are being encouraged to return home.

Officials assured the public that the government continues to monitor developments in the region and stands ready to implement further measures, including repatriation, should the situation worsen.