PH ready to repatriate Filipinos in Iraq amid escalating tensions: embassy

MANILA (UPDATE) - The Philippine government is ready to repatriate Filipinos in Iraq and its Kurdistan region who may be affected by escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.

In an advisory Tuesday, the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad advised Filipinos requesting repatriation or any other forms of assistance to contact the diplomatic post.

"In view of recent developments, Filipinos in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are assured that the Philippine government is prepared to repatriate any Filipino who may be affected or displaced by the ongoing crisis," the embassy said.

Filipinos may call the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad at (+964) 781-606-6822; (+964) 751-616-7838; and (+964) 751-876-4665.

They may also reach the embassy at 07816066822; 07516167838; 07518764665; and 07508105240.

Filipinos may also contact the embassy via email through baghdad.pe@dfa.gov.ph or embaphilbaghdad.secretary1@gmail.com, or through its Facebook page, Philippine Embassy in Iraq.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday told Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to be vigilant against potential security threats amid rising political tensions in the Gulf region.

Filipinos must also observe security measures and protocols established by the Saudi government, the agency added.

For security-related incidents, information on developing security situations on the ground and requests for assistance, Filipinos may contact the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh through their landline number 011-480-1918, hotline number 056-989-3301 or email at assistance@riyadhpe.com.

The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah can also be reached through its hotline numbers 055-219-613 and 055-2190-614 or email at ans@pcgjeddah.org.

Earlier Tuesday, Iran's parliament passed a bill designating all US forces "terrorists" over the killing of a top Iranian military commander by the United States last week in Baghdad airport.

• Iran designates US forces 'terrorists' for killing general

The death of Qasem Soleimani, the popular head of the Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations arm, rocketed tensions between the arch-foes. He was killed in a US airstrike just outside the Baghdad airport.

• US killing of Soleimani: What we know

Last week, the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad called on Filipinos traveling or who are about to travel to Iraq not to go there until further notice due to flaring tensions.

• DFA warns Pinoys not to travel to Iraq, as tensions in region escalate

—With a report from Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News