Vice President Sara Duterte expressed on Friday concerns about the welfare of Filipinos working and living in the Middle East as hostilities between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.
On June 13, Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities, as a result, the Iranian government claimed that it was Israel’s declaration of war and immediately mounted a counterstrike.
The vice president was on a personal trip to Australia on Friday and will be attending the “Free Duterte Now” rally scheduled for June 22, 2025, in Melbourne, according to the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola reported on Friday that the number of Filipinos injured in the ongoing attacks has risen to eight, with one in critical condition. She added that seven of the injured Filipinos have been discharged, while the remaining Filipino in critical condition is still being treated.
The vice president emphasized that as a nation, Filipinos should come together in prayer for the safety of the Filipinos in Iran and Israel.
“Even as we hope for the expeditious and peaceful end to the conflict. Sa ating mga kababayan sa Middle East, napakahalaga ng inyong kahandaan ngayon higit kailanman,” Duterte said.
The vice president also urged Filipinos in the two countries to avoid fake news, disinformation, and misinformation.
“Tiyaking nagmumula sa mapagkakatiwalaang media group ang mga impormasyon hinggil sa mga kasalukuyang pangyayari. Pakinggan ang payo ng mga awtoridad para sa maayos na evacuation at iba pang mga importanteng hakbang para sa inyong kaligtasan. Higit sa lahat, manatili tayong mahinahon at matatag, dala-dala ang ating pananampalataya sa Diyos at pag-asa para sa kapayapaan,” she said.
The vice president appealed to all the governments involved in the conflict to always uphold the norms that safeguard humanity during these challenging times.
“Sama-sama nating pangalagaan ang buhay at kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino,” she said.
