The Overseas Filipino Workers currently trapped in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict must be repatriated immediately. The worsening tension in the region places their lives in grave danger, and a delay in action is not just irresponsible—it is inhumane.
These workers were sent abroad not to be human shields in geopolitical warfare but to earn an honest living for their families. Their contributions to the Philippine economy through remittances are undeniable, but their worth goes far beyond monetary value. They are citizens whose rights, safety, and dignity deserve absolute protection. No economic gain can justify their exposure to missile strikes and gunfire. The government must not treat their predicament as a footnote in diplomatic negotiations.
Time and again, the Philippines has witnessed how overseas conflicts can spiral out of control. Past wars in the Middle East have shown how quickly civilian areas become war zones. The state must act ahead of catastrophe, not in reaction to body counts. Relying on vague assurances of temporary calm from conflicting forces is reckless. There must be no hesitation in organizing flights, issuing evacuation orders, and working with international partners for safe passage.
Their families here endure sleepless nights, holding onto faint signals of communication and fragile hopes. Each day that passes without decisive action is a cruel extension of their agony. The burden must not fall on these families to beg for government action. The responsibility lies squarely with state agencies tasked with protecting the lives of every Filipino, regardless of their location in the world.
The repatriation of these OFWs must be treated as a matter of national urgency. Human life must always come first, especially when danger is no longer just a possibility, but a reality unfolding by the hour. Above all, politics should not be set aside in securing their safety.
