Iran-Israel conflict: At least 4 Filipinos injured in airstrikes in Rehovot City

At least four Filipinos in Israel were injured over the weekend following Iran's retaliatory missile strikes, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Sunday.

The strikes hit Rehovot City, roughly 20 kilometers south of Tel Aviv, where a group of Filipinos had gathered in a public park. According to DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, it remains unclear whether they were there for leisure or had rushed outside after learning of the incoming missiles.

Twelve other Filipinos were in the area but were not harmed.

A rapid response team from the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv extended immediate assistance to the injured, three of whom sustained moderate to critical injuries after a missile hit their residence. One victim remains in critical condition.

“We are doing everything within our means to reach and assist our nationals affected by this crisis,” said Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families, especially our kababayan who is now fighting for her life.”

The embassy continues to coordinate with Israeli authorities, local Filipino leaders, and relevant Philippine agencies to support those impacted.

Repatriation plans for OFWs on standby

DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said labor offices and attachés in the region are on high alert. “We’re ready to help and provide immediate assistance,” Olalia said. He also encouraged OFWs and their families to contact the DMW hotline at 1348 for urgent concerns.

There are currently around 20,000 Filipinos in Israel, most employed in caregiving, agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing. The country has been under Alert Level 3, or voluntary repatriation, since 2023. Any upgrade to Alert Level 4, which mandates evacuation, would require DFA approval.

While the approximately 1,100 Filipinos in Iran remain safe with no requests for assistance so far, the DFA revealed that contingency plans, including a possible evacuation route through Turkmenistan, are already being mapped out.

Emergency hotlines for OFWs

The DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have issued the following emergency contact numbers for OFWs in conflict-affected areas:

Israel

Lebanon

Jordan

Filipinos in the region are urged to stay alert, follow local safety advisories, and remain in contact with embassy officials for updates.