Manila: Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Tuesday announced that the government is ready to assist Filipinos in the Middle East, with funds already allocated and agencies on standby as 1,416 nationals have requested repatriation. Tulfo emphasized that the Senate had earlier increased the budgets of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to anticipate any possible escalation in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo highlighted a budget augmentation of PHP1.3 billion for the DMW, with PHP800 million allocated to the Office of the Secretary and PHP500 million to OWWA. He refuted claims about the government's lack of preparedness, assuring that the agencies are ready to facilitate the evacuation process.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that requests for repatriation have been received from 10 Filipinos in Iran, 297 in Israel, 22 in Jordan, 231 in Bahrain, 586 in Dubai, and 270 in Abu Dhabi. Tulfo mentioned that while evacuation efforts are currently affected by airspace closures, flights from Abu Dhabi to Manila are anticipated to resume, with Emirates Airlines providing support for returning overseas Filipino workers.

Tulfo also noted that he has been in constant communication with DFA officials since Sunday, receiving updates twice a day from Secretary Tess Lazaro. He assured that coordination is ongoing to ensure the safe and organized return of Filipinos who wish to come home.