OFWs in Israel alerted on possible spillover of Syria hostilities

MANILA, Philippines - The government has alerted thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel and neighboring countries of a possible spillover of the worsening hostilities in Syria.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Israel has advised OFWs to be watchful as peace and order in Syria continue to deteriorate.

She also urged the estimated 6,000 OFWs in Israel to cooperate with the government and refrain from unnecessary activities that may pose risks to their safety.

The labor chief said Lebanon and Jordan, which share borders with Syria and where thousands of Filipinos are working, may also be affected by the escalating civil war in Syria.

“The welfare and interest, as well as the safety, of our OFWs in Israel, and in any country of destination for that matter, are foremost and take the highest consideration in times of conflict, calamity, or turmoil,” she said.

The labor chief said the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv has already reactivated the contingency measures in preparation for any emergency that could affect Filipinos in Israel.

The Philippine embassy has assigned its personnel, including POLO staff, to specific tasks in monitoring and responding to any emergency situation.