Ilonggo OFW Reports Safety Amid Israel-Iran Conflict, Cites Precautions

ILOILO CITY – Amid the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, an Ilonggo overseas Filipino worker (OFW) expressed a sense of safety, highlighting the robust safety measures implemented by the Israeli government. Mat, a 34-year-old caregiver from Iloilo City, has been working at a home for the aged in Ramat Gan, Israel, for over nine years. In an online interview conducted on June 18, 2025, he detailed his experiences since the conflict escalated six days prior, emphasizing the effectiveness of the alert systems in place.

Mat explained that alarms sound between two to six times daily, triggered by a two-step warning system. This system begins with a phone alert that provides a brief window of one minute and thirty seconds for individuals to reach the nearest underground shelter, followed by a siren indicating an incoming missile. The duration of sheltering varies until the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirm it is safe to emerge. Mat stated, "The IDF will send us a message that we can already get out of the shelter," illustrating the communication protocols in place.

He noted that missile strikes predominantly occur at night, a time when many are asleep, leading to fatigue as workers return to their jobs. Despite the risks, Mat and his fellow Filipino workers have chosen to remain in Israel, citing a greater sense of security during the current conflict compared to previous hostilities, particularly the Israel-Hamas clashes last year. "Iran's rockets are usually intercepted. We feel safe. When there’s an alarm, we hide in the shelter," Mat explained, indicating confidence in Israel's defensive capabilities.

The Philippine Embassy has also established a 24/7 hotline for Filipinos in Israel, providing constant updates and support. Mat's father, Flo, expressed concern for his son's safety, though he remains reassured by the updates they receive. "My advice to them is to have a 'go bag' ready—clothes, food, water, cash, and documents—just in case," he advised during an interview on June 19.

In a broader context, Mat is among 24 OFWs in Israel being monitored by the Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) since 2019. PESO manager Gabriel Felix Umadhay commented on the situation, noting that many Ilonggo OFWs in Israel feel secure and are reluctant to return to the Philippines due to stable job prospects and fears about restarting their lives back home. Umadhay assured that the city government stands ready to assist with repatriation if necessary, coordinating with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for flights, contract settlements, and potential financial aid based on individual assessments.

This incident underscores the resilience of migrant workers in conflict zones and highlights the importance of government support systems in maintaining their safety and well-being. As tensions continue in the region, the experiences of OFWs like Mat serve as a testament to the complexities faced by individuals navigating life in precarious situations.