Philippine Embassy in Riyadh crafts crisis contingency plans

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh recently conducted contingency planning activities in light of the tension between the United States and Iran, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the DFA said the planning was held in eastern Saudi Arabia last week with embassy personnel and the Filipino community there.

Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Adnan Alonto briefed the Filipino community on the security situation in Saudi Arabia and other procedures and protocols that must be observed in case a crisis breaks out.

Meanwhile, Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Hans Cacdac assured the Filipino community in Saudi Arabia that the Philippine government is closely monitoring their situation, especially those in crisis areas.

Tension broke out in the Middle East at the start of the year when the United States assassinated a top Iranian general.

Some Filipino workers from the region are set to return to the Philippines on Thursday amid the rising tensions.  — Julia Mari Ornedo/RSJ, GMA News