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‘We strongly urge concerned parties to take the path of diplomacy and avoid further escalation of this conflict that could threaten regional and international peace and security,’ says the Department of Foreign Affairs
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is calling for a “peaceful and diplomatic solution” after its treaty ally — the United States — escalated tensions in the Middle East by bombing Iran’s nuclear sites on Sunday, June 22.
“We strongly urge concerned parties to take the path of diplomacy and avoid further escalation of this conflict that could threaten regional and international peace and security,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
Washington, also a strong ally of Israel, sent B-2 bombers directly targeting Iran’s main nuclear sites — Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow — on Sunday morning. US President Donald Trump said that the operation “totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities.
“If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill,” Trump said.
Hassan Abedini, deputy political head of Iran’s state broadcaster, said the uranium reserves stored in the centers have been transferred: “There are no materials left there that, if targeted, would cause radiation and be harmful to our compatriots.”
The US airstrikes come as Israel and Iran have been engaged in more than a week of aerial combat that has resulted in deaths and injuries in both countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas has since warned that Iran now “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.”
The Philippines raised Alert Level 3 in Iran and Israel on Friday, June 20. Under this level, Filipinos based in the warring countries may be repatriated, while deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with contracts in Iran, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon has been temporarily suspend.
“The welfare and safety of Filipinos in the region are of primodial concern, and the Philippine government will relentlessly continue to advance and prioritize their protection,” the DFA said.
As of Sunday, 223 Filipinos in Israel have requested to be sent home, with the first batch of 26 OFWs already bound for Manila on Monday, June 23. In Iran, 8 Filipinos — including 1 tourist — have requested repatriation. – with reports from Reuters/Rappler.com
