Senators Risa Hontiveros and Imee Marcos called on concerned government agencies for the immediate repatriation of Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
The Israeli military conducted a ground incursion operation, resulting in clashes with Hezbollah fighters in Beirut and southern Lebanon.
"I call on the DFA and DMW to repatriate as many of our kababayans in Lebanon as soon as possible," Sen. Hontiveros said in a statement on September 29.
Hontiveros emphasized the need for agencies to have contingency plans ready if the situation escalates.
"I trust that our government agencies are exhausting all options to ensure the security, safety, and welfare of our OFWs. They should already be mobilizing and pre-positioning resources in anticipation of heightened tensions," said Hontiveros.
She then urged Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to contact the Philippine embassy as soon as possible. She also assured that the Senate would ensure livelihood assistance for those returning to the country.
This call was seconded by Senator Marcos who called on the concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of Filipino citizens in Lebanon.
"I call on the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to evacuate all Filipinos from danger areas in Lebanon and to repatriate them to the Philippines as soon as possible," Sen. Marcos said in an official statement on October 6.
According to Marcos, the situation in Lebanon is becoming increasingly perilous due to new rounds of Israeli airstrikes hitting Beirut and its surrounding suburbs, along with the northern regions.
She also emphasized that more civilians, including Filipinos, will likely be at risk, noting that the situation has escalated to an Alert Level 4 Crisis.
"Thus, I strongly urge all of the concerned government agencies to immediately initiate all the necessary steps to bring the affected Filipinos to safety," Marcos said in closing.
DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo assured on Friday that the government is prepared with measures in case the current situation in Lebanon worsens.
He emphasized that relevant government agencies have already identified and reached out to Filipinos in conflict-affected areas, including southern Lebanon.
