1,416 OFWs Want Out: Marcos Says 'Shelter in Place' as Middle East Airspace Becomes a War Zone
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed Tuesday that at least 1,416 Filipinos across the Middle East have reached out to the government requesting repatriation as the US-Israel military campaign against Iran continues to escalate. But the grim reality? There's no safe way to fly them out right now.
In a hastily arranged press briefing at Malacañang flanked by his top Cabinet officials, Marcos said the situation is "very fluid" and that airspace across the region is essentially a combat zone. "It's too dangerous to fly, even if we could. Airports are closed. This is a combat area," the President said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The breakdown of repatriation requests paints a sobering picture: 586 OFWs from Dubai, 297 from Israel, 270 from Abu Dhabi, 231 from Bahrain, 22 from Jordan, and 10 from Iran itself. Marcos cited the recent incident where three US fighter jets were accidentally shot down over Kuwait, underscoring just how dangerous the airspace has become.
Land exits are also off the table for now due to ongoing strikes, though Marcos said overland routes remain the "best option in the immediate future" once conditions allow. For now, the President urged all Filipinos in affected countries to shelter in place and follow local government advisories. Quick response teams from various Philippine embassies are working around the clock.
Beyond the human cost, Marcos also addressed the economic impact. The Philippines has a 50 to 60-day oil supply, and the government is eyeing legislation to reduce excise tax on petroleum if Dubai crude surpasses $80 per barrel. Targeted fuel subsidies for the transport and agriculture sectors are also being prepared. "We will find ways to get you out safely. Right now, it's safety first for our people," Marcos assured.
Source: Rappler
