The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) just made a big decision: it has lowered the security alert level for Filipinos staying in Iran because things there are starting to calm down — at least for now.
The DFA said there are “positive developments” happening in Iran’s security situation, so they decided to bring the alert down to Level 2, which is called the Restriction Phase. This new rule starts immediately.
📍 What does Level 2 mean?
Filipinos can stay in Iran, but they’re advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay alert, and be ready in case things get dangerous again.
📍 What happened before this?
Just last month, the DFA raised the alert to Level 3, a more serious warning. That happened because Iran and Israel were attacking each other with missiles and drones. It was scary and dangerous, especially for Filipinos working in those countries.
During Alert Level 3, the Philippines offered voluntary repatriation — meaning, any Filipino who wanted to come home was allowed to do so, and the government would help. They also stopped sending new workers to Iran and told people not to travel there unless it was absolutely needed.
📍 Will Filipinos still be able to go home if they want to?
Yes! Even though the alert level has gone down, the Philippine Embassy in Tehran will still help any Filipinos who want to return to the Philippines.
🛑 But is it really safe now?
Not 100%. The DFA said they are still watching things closely in the region. If anything bad happens again, they will change the alert level right away.
📍 Why were Iran and Israel fighting in the first place?
On June 13, Israel attacked Iran because it claimed that Iran was trying to build nuclear weapons — very dangerous bombs. But Iran said that’s not true, and that their nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes, like producing electricity. Iran is part of a world agreement called the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which means it promised not to make nuclear bombs.
After that, Iran fired back at Israel with missiles and drones. Then, the United States got involved and bombed three of Iran’s biggest nuclear sites — Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. The U.S. said it was a “military success,” but many people were afraid it would start a bigger war.
Thankfully, a ceasefire (or stop to the fighting) was declared on June 24, but the Philippine government still warned that tensions could rise again. That’s why they’re asking all countries involved to choose peace and diplomacy instead of war.
🇵🇭 Why is this important for the Philippines?
Because there are lots of Filipinos working in the Middle East. Over 30,000 Filipinos, mostly caregivers, live in Israel, and more than 1,100 are in Iran. The government wants to make sure they’re safe no matter what happens.
So while it looks like things are calming down in Iran — for now — the DFA and Filipinos abroad are still being extra careful, just in case the conflict starts up again.
