Makati: The Philippine government, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), announced that the bloc is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and their impact on Southeast Asians working in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, during a press briefing on the sidelines of the 2026 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) meetings in Makati, stated that the Philippines is prepared to assist not only Filipinos but also Southeast Asians as needed.

"The ASCC, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is also ensuring that needed assistance would be extended not only to Filipinos but also to the nationals of our ASEAN family," Dumlao said. She also mentioned that discussions on this issue will continue during the council and bilateral meetings hosted by the ASCC.

The situation in the Middle East has intensified following Iran's retaliation against joint military operations launched by the United States and Israel. These developments have significant implications for over 1 million Filipinos and Southeast Asian workers in the region. Israel has not provided a timeline for the military strikes, which aim to stop Iran's nuclear weapons development, end its long-range ballistic missile production, and cut off financing for 'terror proxies' in the Middle East.