Iloilo PESO Monitors Status of 73 Ilonggo OFWs Amid Israel-Iran Tensions

ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is actively tracking the safety and well-being of 73 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Iloilo who are currently employed in Israel and its neighboring countries in light of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. As of June 24, 2025, PESO has conducted a thorough assessment, profiling 66 Ilonggos from 18 local government units, according to Cynthia Dario, PESO manager.

Dario reported that the majority of the Ilonggo OFWs in Israel hail from various municipalities, with 16 workers from Zarraga, 12 from Maasin, and smaller groups from towns such as Cabatuan, Oton, and Badiangan. Feedback from the families of these workers indicates that six individuals are in unsafe conditions, while 38 have communicated their safety. The remaining workers have not reported their status, raising concerns about their well-being.

The Philippine government has raised the alert level for citizens in Israel to Level 3, which indicates voluntary repatriation. Dario confirmed that, to date, there have been no indications from the Ilonggos that they wish to return home despite the heightened alert. She emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to ensure the safety of the workers.

In addition to the 66 workers in Israel, PESO has identified four Ilonggos in Kuwait, two in Qatar, and one in Iraq, contributing to the ongoing monitoring efforts. This initiative is a response to the deteriorating security conditions as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has directed local offices to continue their grassroots monitoring and to remain in contact with families of the affected OFWs. He urged families to stay calm and vigilant, advising them to register with the migrant welfare office if they seek repatriation.

In an effort to support returning workers, PESO recently disbursed PHP10,000 each to 19 Ilonggos who have successfully repatriated. This financial assistance is part of a program that has been operational since 2021, aimed at supporting repatriated OFWs who previously worked in the Middle East, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

The situation remains fluid, and PESO is committed to providing continuous updates as more information becomes available. Efforts are being made to facilitate the safe return of OFWs and to ensure they receive the necessary support during this crisis. The collaboration with DMW and OWWA is crucial to addressing the needs of these workers during this challenging period.

In summary, the Iloilo PESO continues to play a vital role in safeguarding the interests of Ilonggo OFWs amid the Israel-Iran conflict, demonstrating the local government's commitment to its citizens abroad.

### Sources: 1. Dario, Cynthia. PESO Manager, Iloilo Provincial Public Employment Service Office. Interviewed June 24, 2025. 2. Philippine News Agency. "Iloilo PESO monitors 73 Ilonggo OFWs amid Israel-Iran crisis." Published June 24, 2025. 3. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Official statement on repatriation protocols. Accessed June 2025. 4. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Annual report on OFW support services. Published 2024. 5. Defensor, Arthur Jr. Iloilo Governor. Press release on monitoring OFWs. Dated June 2025. 6. International Organization for Migration (IOM). Report on global migration trends, 2023. 7. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Labor statistics report, 2024.