Manila: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday announced that it is maintaining a vigilant watch on the evolving situation in the Middle East, ensuring that no Filipinos have been reported injured in the recent events.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DFA highlighted that Iraqi authorities have extended the closure of the country's airspace to all flights for a period of 72 hours, from March 22 to March 25, while Iraqi Airways has suspended operations until April 2. Notably, no Filipino was harmed in the eight attacks targeting a United States diplomatic and logistics facility at Baghdad International Airport on Sunday.

The DFA also noted that Iraqi authorities are issuing seven-day transit visas to stranded foreign nationals to aid their safe return, with land borders to Trkiye, Kuwait, and Jordan staying open.

In Bahrain, the Philippine Embassy in Manama confirmed that 89 Filipinos have arrived safely in Saudi Arabia as of March 20. Among them, 79 are preparing for repatriation to the Philippines, seven are returning via separate flights, and three are heading to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai successfully facilitated the repatriation of 50 stranded Filipino tourists on March 18 through a chartered flight organized by the Department of Migrant Workers. This flight accommodated a total of 317 repatriates, including 153 overseas Filipino workers, 114 dependents, and 50 tourists.

The DFA continues to advise Filipinos in affected areas to stay vigilant, avoid restricted locations, and maintain communication with Philippine posts for assistance and updates.