DFA lowers alert level in Iran even as hostilities continue in Middle East
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lowered its alert level in Iran from voluntary repatriation under alert level 3 to restricted phase under alert level 2. mainly due to what the DFA deemed as “positive developments in the security situation.”
Under the restriction phase, however, Filipino nationals are reminded of “real threats to the life, security and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability or external threat” and are explicitly discouraged to travel to the concerned country, according to the agency’s website.
Moreover, the DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Tehran will continue to process the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos in Iran, numbering some 1,180, mostly married to Iranians.
Seething hostility
The DFA issued the alert last month after Israel attacked nuclear and military sites on June 13, prompting an Iranian retaliation. There are 30,742 Filipinos in Israel that was placed under alert level 3 at the start of the hostilities.
The Israel attack was spurred by Iranian support for Hamas terrorists who attacked Israel settlements and abducted Israelis and foreigners on Oct. 7, 2023. More than a thousand Israelis and foreign nationals were killed in the attack and 251 were taken hostage.
The Hamas terrorists involved in the attack fled to neighboring Syria with hostages who remain in their custody.
Late last month, a total of 223 Filipinos in Israel and eight in Iran sought embassy assistance for repatriation.
Both countries have since observed a ceasefire starting on June 24, but Israel continues to bomb military targets in Yemen, which also launched attacks on Israel in support of Iran, and Tehran has vowed a “surprise” retaliation.
The DFA said it would closely monitor the situation in the region and would update the alert levels as needed.
