OFWs in Israel asked to be vigilant amid Syrian conflict

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Overseas Labor Organization (POLO) in Israel reminded the overseas Filipino community in the country to stay calm and vigilant amid the ongoing civil war in Syria which shares a border with the Jewish majority state.

The government has been repatriating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from war-town Syria since the conflict escalated. 

"I have been informed by Labor Attache (Jaime) Jimenez that the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has re-activated the Philippine contingency plan for any emergency that could affect our OFWs. The POLO has reminded our OFWs in Israel to remain calm and vigilant," Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said. POLO is an attached agency of DOLE.

Jimenez said the office has met with Israeli foreign placement agencies to discuss the issue in case an emergency situation arises.

Aside from Israel, Lebanon and Jordan also share borders with Syria, and migrant Filipino workers are also present in both countries.

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 takes the highest consideration in times of conflict, calamity, or turmoil. But I also call on our OFWs to cooperate with the government, refrain from unnecessary activities that may pose risks, and be on guard," Baldoz said.