PH activates crisis management team in Israel

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

CRISIS TEAM. Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola (at the head of the table) activates the embassy crisis management team following heightened tensions in the region after Israel mounted a military attack against Iran on June 13, 2025. Mendiola is personally overseeing efforts to monitor the situation on the ground, coordinate with Israeli and Philippine authorities, and ensure that timely advisories and support are extended to Filipinos in need. (Photo: Philippine Embassy in Israel/Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has activated its crisis management team to enable quick response amid the developing security situation in the Middle East after Israel mounted a direct military attack on Iran on Friday.

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola is personally overseeing efforts to monitor the situation on the ground, coordinate with Israeli and Philippine authorities, and ensure that timely advisories and support are extended to Filipinos in need.

“The safety and well-being of Filipinos in Israel remain the Embassy’s top priority,” the embassy said in a statement dated June 13.

“The Embassy urges the Filipino community to follow the Israel Defense Force Home Front Command’s security guidelines and the Embassy’s safety advisories, as well as to be alert and ready to act.”

Mendiola, in a separate interview over Radyo Pilipinas on Saturday morning, said Israel continues to intercept retaliatory missile strikes by Iran.

The envoy, currently at the embassy, had to take shelter mid-interview after sirens blared in the background, indicating another incoming air raid.

On Friday alone, she said, warning sirens sounded in Tel Aviv at least 12 times.

This Saturday, local authorities are anticipating another air raid in southern Israel, she added.

“Ang Israel ngayon ay may seven fronts na kinakaharap. (Kasama ang) Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Houthis sa Yemen, ang binabantayan nila ay pito pero sa ngayon ang pinakamaigting ay ang problema with Iran (Israel is facing seven fronts. These include Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and the Houthis in Yemen, but the most pressing concern now is Iran),” Mendiola said.

“Kahapon, mayroon ding panaka-nakang mga missiles na nanggagaling sa mga Houthis sa Yemen (Yesterday, there were also missile strikes coming from the Houthis in Yemen).”

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said no Filipino has been reported hurt in the trade of air strikes between Iran and Israel.

Based on the latest DFA data, there are 30,742 Filipinos in Israel and at least 1,180 in Iran, most of whom are married to Iranian nationals.

For emergency assistance, the Philippine Embassy in Israel be may reached 24/7 at its emergency hotline at +972 54 4661188 and email address: telaviv.pe@dfa.gov.ph.