MARCH 13, 2026 — Filipinos in California are now on edge after Malacañang issued a blunt warning: stay alert, stay vigilant, and be ready in case Iran makes good on its threat of retaliation. The Palace’s alarm comes after the FBI confirmed that Iran had already attempted to launch drones on unspecified California targets — proof that this isn’t just talk, it’s a real danger.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro didn’t sugarcoat it, saying,

“Kapag may mga ganyan na impormasyon, kailangan din talagang maghanda ang ating bansa para sa ating mga kababayan.”

(When there is such information, our country really needs to prepare for our fellow Filipinos.)

She added, “Hindi ito puwedeng isawalang-bahala o tulugan. Kailangan na maging alerto rin tayo kung ano’t anuman ang mangyayari sa ating mga kababayan sa California.”

(This cannot be ignored or taken lightly. We also need to be alert for whatever may happen to our fellow Filipinos in California.)

The Palace insists the safety of Filipinos overseas is top priority, even promising repatriation if the situation escalates. But how fast can the government really move if missiles or drones start flying?

This warning isn’t just about California. It’s about the bigger truth: Filipinos abroad are always at risk when global powers clash. We’ve seen OFWs evacuated from the Middle East before, and now the threat is creeping into American soil. Families here at home are left worrying. Will their loved ones suddenly be caught in the crossfire of a conflict they have nothing to do with?

The question now is whether vigilance alone is enough. Should the government be more aggressive in securing contingency plans for our diaspora? Or are we simply left hoping that warnings and prayers will shield our kababayans from becoming collateral damage?

How many more global conflicts must erupt before the Philippines truly shields its people abroad from becoming collateral damage?

(Image: Philippine Information Agency)