The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) has sounded the alarm over the worsening impact of the US-Israeli war on Iran, warning that up to 2.44 million Filipino migrant workers across West Asia are now at risk.
In a statement, ICHRP Chairperson Peter Murphy called on the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take immediate and decisive action to protect Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) caught in the expanding conflict.
“We urge the Philippine government to pull out all stops to assist Filipino workers stranded and endangered in the Gulf states, Lebanon, and Israel,” Murphy said.
ICHRP reported that at least one Filipino has already been killed in missile strikes in Israel, while more than 1,000 OFWs remain stranded following widespread airspace closures. With millions of Filipinos living and working in the region, the group warned that the human and economic toll will rapidly deepen.
“These numbers will grow as the war continues,” Murphy said. “The impact will not only be felt in the war zone, but also by families in the Philippines who depend on remittances for survival.”
The group criticized the Marcos administration for failing to act with urgency and cautioned against relying on statements from Donald Trump suggesting the conflict would be short-lived.
“Instead of waiting, the government must listen to the urgent appeals of workers and their families,” Murphy said. “Evacuation flights—whether chartered or military—must be deployed immediately for those who wish to leave. Those who remain must be guaranteed support for food, shelter, healthcare, and other basic needs.”
Beyond the immediate humanitarian crisis, ICHRP warned of cascading economic effects as the war disrupts oil and gas flows from the Persian Gulf. Fuel prices in the Philippines have already begun to rise, threatening to further burden millions struggling with poverty.
“If this disruption continues, it could trigger a wider economic crisis that will hit ordinary Filipinos the hardest,” Murphy said.
ICHRP also pointed to the Philippines’ role in US military operations, noting that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed to the war zone after being resupplied in the country. The group said this underscores how the Philippines is being drawn into imperialist wars despite having no direct stake in the conflict.
“This war exposes the Philippines’ vulnerability as part of the US war machine,” Murphy said. “Even if the country is not directly involved, it faces the consequences.”
While Iran’s missiles cannot reach Philippine territory, ICHRP warned that other forms of retaliation could emerge. It also raised concerns that US military bases in the Philippines would become targets in the event of a wider war, particularly amid rising tensions between the United States and China.
The group further condemned the pattern of US military aggression under Trump, including recent attacks in multiple countries and continued backing of Israeli operations led by Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Despite claims of pursuing peace, US actions continue to violate international law and escalate global conflict,” Murphy said.
ICHRP called on the Philippine government to break away from US-led military strategy and adopt an independent foreign policy that prioritizes national sovereignty and the welfare of its people.
“The Filipino people must not be dragged into wars that serve foreign interests,” Murphy said. “The government must uphold the people’s right to peace, security, and genuine development.”
The group also expressed support for growing public calls for accountability and political change in the Philippines, emphasizing the need to challenge corruption and foreign domination.
In closing, ICHRP urged the international community to take a stand against the escalating war.
“We call on all peoples and governments to uphold international law and defend human rights—from Palestine and Iran to the Philippines,” Murphy said.
