MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday advised overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East to remain where they are for now, citing serious challenges in ongoing repatriation efforts due to escalating conflict in the region.

According to government reports, more than 1,400 OFWs have requested repatriation as fighting intensifies. However, the President stressed that evacuations are currently hampered by damaged infrastructure, unsafe airspace, and the lack of operational airports in key areas affected by the violence.

The Philippine government is reportedly coordinating with allied nations to identify safe routes and alternative exit points for Filipinos who wish to return home. In the meantime, authorities are also working with hotels and temporary accommodation providers to ensure displaced OFWs have secure places to stay while awaiting further instructions.

The situation presents a difficult balancing act for policymakers. On one hand, the urgency of bringing citizens home is undeniable. On the other, attempting large-scale evacuation in the midst of active conflict could place even more lives at risk. Repatriation during wartime requires careful timing, diplomatic coordination, and logistical precision—especially when transportation hubs are compromised.

For many OFWs, the uncertainty is emotionally and financially draining. Being advised to stay in a volatile region may heighten anxiety, yet premature evacuation without safe passage could prove more dangerous. As the crisis unfolds, one pressing question remains: When immediate return is not feasible, how can governments best protect their citizens abroad without exposing them to greater risk?