MANILA: No Filipinos have been reported injured or killed from ongoing missile attacks made by Iran in different Middle Eastern countries, in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel.
“I would like to report to our countrymen that as of 9 a.m. on Sunday, we have not received any reports of Filipino casualties. No Filipinos have died, and no Filipinos have been injured,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in a recorded video message on Sunday (March 1).
“At present, we continue to monitor the situation to ensure that our fellow Filipinos in the Middle East are in good condition,” he added.
Since the conflict began on Saturday, Marcos said he has been closely watching the situation through the Philippines’ embassies, labor attachés and diplomatic posts in the Middle East.
“We know that there are many Filipinos in the Middle East. I’m sure you are worried about your acquaintances, friends and relatives there,” he added.
According to Marcos, the Philippine government is “closely and continuously” monitoring the situation in West Asia, commonly called the Middle East, where there are more than two million Filipinos, as the conflict is far from being over.
“I believe this war will continue,” the President said.
“However, based on our latest report, our countrymen are in safe areas. They have gone to bomb shelters where available, and they are keeping their distance from American bases to avoid danger,” he added.
Bombings were reported in the Gulf countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Attacks were also reported in Israel.
Iran, where around 800 Filipinos reside, is also being attacked by the US and Israel. Iranian state media confirms the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
