The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said at least 50 Filipinos in Israel are set for voluntary repatriation, with 26 having left for Jordan, as tensions spike in the Middle East following the United States’ attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

In a radio interview, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola-Rau said that another round of missile attacks from Iran forced Filipinos to hide inside bomb shelters.

“We just got out of the bomb shelter… just after 3, there was another alert issued,” Mendiola said.

Despite the exchange of air and missile strikes between Israel and Iran, many Filipinos hesitate to return home to the Philippines due to contract concerns.

“One of the difficulties is the changing of mind of our countrymen… because when they return to the Philippines, their contracts would end,” the ambassador explained.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said a total deployment ban is now in effect in the two nations.

In an online media briefing on late Sunday night, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the raising of Alert Level 3 meant that both new and returning OFWs will not be allowed to be deployed to Iran and Israel.

She said the embassy has been in close coordination with community leaders in Israel to finalize the list of Filipinos who want to leave and to secure transit visas to Jordan where they will be taking flights home to the Philippines.

“We’ve received a total of 253 requests. 50 have confirmed and they will be repatriated next,” Mendiola said.

A total of 127 Filipinos have been displaced by recent missile strikes, with 118 resettled by Israeli authorities while 32 were evacuated from a nursing home hit by the attacks.

“Thankfully they entered ground shelter so they’re all safe,” Mendiola-Rau said.

At least eight Filipinos have been reported injured since the start of the attacks on June 13, with seven discharged and one remaining in critical condition.

Mendiola said that communication lines have remained stable in Israel, and that those with families in the Philippines can still contact their relatives.

“Internet and telephone lines are still okay,” the ambassador said.

The ambassador also urged Filipinos in Israel to be sure of their decision to repatriate out of the country to streamline operations and ensure the safety of the repatriates.

“If you say that you want to repatriate, please don’t back out so that we can finalize the list,” Mendiola urged.

Iran launched another attack on Israel on Monday morning (Philippine time) as retaliation for the coordinated US-Israel attack on Iran’s top nuclear facilities. Velle White/DMS