Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival on Monday assured families of local residents working in the Middle East that the city government is coordinating with national agencies to monitor their safety and prepare assistance in case the conflict escalates.
The city has formally requested data and guidance from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to ensure that Cebuano overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in affected Gulf states are accounted for and supported.
Cebu City is seeking an official tally of registered residents working or living in the affected countries, along with security updates and risk assessments for Filipinos there.
The city also requested information on national repatriation plans, contingency measures, or evacuation protocols that may be in place.
Officials are exploring ways to coordinate with national agencies to provide emergency aid, temporary housing, mental health support, and reintegration programs for returning OFWs, while ensuring data privacy.
A coordination meeting between DFA, OWWA, and city representatives has been proposed to align response mechanisms as soon as possible.
Archival said the city is also prepared to activate an assistance desk for OFWs and their families and to work with barangays to identify affected households, provide temporary aid, and refer returning workers to national reintegration programs.
The mayor’s statements came as the Middle East situation deteriorated following a joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.
Reports confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the initial strikes, with a temporary council now managing the country.
Retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran targeted Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
The strikes disrupted major transportation hubs in the Gulf, causing flight cancellations and temporary airspace closures.
Thousands of travelers have been stranded as airlines suspended regional operations, while global oil prices surged amid concerns over prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Archival said Cebu City is closely monitoring developments and awaiting official advisories from national authorities.
He emphasized that no Cebu City residents have been reported harmed as of Monday, but the city is prepared to provide support if repatriation or emergency assistance becomes necessary.
“So, first of all, I would like to say that we have a lot of work to do to ensure the safety of OFW workers,” he said, reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting its residents abroad. (LLP)
Cebu City Hall/Wikipedia
