PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, that there is no need yet for the implementation of mandatory repatriation amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
In an interview with reporters, Marcos said that for now, the Philippine government is giving each family of Filipinos in the two countries a free hand to decide whether they will stay or return home.
He, however, assured that the Philippine government is closely monitoring the situation and that all necessary assistance is always ready.
As of June 17, the Philippine Embassy in Israel said seven Filipino citizens were injured due to Iran’s missile attacks.
Of the seven, one is in critical condition with severe and life-threatening injuries, another is still confined in a hospital due to moderate to serious injuries, and five have already been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries.
It said 49 Filipino citizens also lost their homes since the outbreak of hostilities.
Of the over 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, 1,333 have been repatriated from October 2023 to June 12, 2025.
The embassy said there were 150 more who initially requested repatriation, but only 26 have confirmed and are now being processed.
Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said 17 Filipino local government officials, including mayors, and five other Filipino tourists are stranded in Israel following the closure of airspace and airports due to Iran’s attacks.
He said these local officials visited Israel to conduct a study and exchange best practices on dairy farming.
Fluss said the stranded Filipinos are currently in the Jewish state under the Israeli government’s sponsorship.
“All of them are being taken care of by the Israeli government, and we are also looking for ways to send them back to the Philippines — this is our responsibility and our commitment,” Fluss said.
Fluss assured that the Israeli government is exploring ways to facilitate the safe exit of the stranded Filipinos. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)