Cheyenne Suarez

Commercial repatriation flight of 31 OFWs at Doha Hamad International Airport. Photo courtesy of Hans Leo J. Cacdac/Facebook

Article (news)

AFP ready for possible repatriation of Filipinos in Israel, Iran

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1750746012020510685877_1258489395840822_5682159907258393356_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Commercial repatriation flight of 31 OFWs at Doha Hamad International Airport. Photo courtesy of Hans Leo J. Cacdac/Facebook"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Commercial repatriation flight of 31 OFWs at Doha Hamad International Airport. <em>Photo courtesy of Hans Leo J. Cacdac/Facebook</em></span></span></span>MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is prepared to assist in the possible repatriation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran amid the conflict between the two countries, which the US claimed already agreed to a ceasefire. </div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/6/24/trump-says-iran-israel-ceasefire-in-force-1402">Trump says Iran-Israel ceasefire in force</a></div><p>According to AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, the military is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Iran conflict.</p><p>“Should the need [for repatriation] arise, the AFP stands ready to assist as directed. We will be guided by the decisions and policies of higher civilian authorities in all actions related to the evolving situation,” Padilla told reporters in a press briefing at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.</p><p>“At this time, our priority is to support the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure the safety and possible repatriation of Filipinos in affected areas,&quot; she added.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/24/marcos-jr-reiterates-voluntary-repatriation-order-in-iran-israel-0838">Marcos Jr. reiterates voluntary repatriation order in Iran, Israel</a></div><p>Padilla emphasized that the AFP will swiftly mobilize resources and personnel, and work with other government agencies for repatriation efforts as soon as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issues the directive.</p><p>“With the President at the helm of command, we will be in tandem with other government agencies,” Padilla said. “We are ready to act swiftly, securely and in sync with other government agencies.” </p><p>“Sa ganitong pagkakataon, all hands on deck ito. All of our assets are well-prepared to be deployed accordingly. Anuman ang i-mandate from higher civilian authorities to the AFP to perform, our assets will be ready and our personnel will be there to assist,” the official added. </p><p>The AFP has previous experiences in repatriating distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during conflicts and emergencies.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2025/6/24/repatriation-of-31-filpinos-delayed-due-to-closure-of-qatar-airspace-dmw-1039">Repatriation of 31 Filpinos delayed due to closure of Qatar airspace: DMW</a></div><p>Israeli strikes on Iran have killed more than 400 people, Iran’s health ministry has said. Meanwhile, 24 people have died in Iran’s attacks on Israel, according to official figures.</p><p>Marcos earlier said the government was processing some 200 repatriates, with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac in Jordan—a country geographically sandwiched between Israel and Iran—to help Filipinos to return to the Philippines.</p><p>The repatriation is voluntary.</p><p>On Tuesday afternoon (Manila time), Trump announced that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was in force, urging both sides to &quot;not violate it&quot; on the 12th day of the war between the two arch-foes. <strong>— With a report from Agence France-Presse</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g7_c8Q1xbkE?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o9t9ABrIZv4?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>AFP said it will swiftly mobilize resources and personnel as soon as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issues the directive.</p>

AFP said it will swiftly mobilize resources and personnel as soon as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issues the directive.