By el Amigo
MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday said there were no reports of Filipinos being injured after Houthi militants launched drone and ballistic missile attacks toward Saudi Arabia, including the capital Riyadh.
The DMW said its Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) across Saudi Arabia are closely tracking developments and coordinating with the Philippine Embassy and consulates to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
It also assured Filipinos who may be affected by the situation that Philippine diplomatic and labor officials are prepared to assist.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed Saturday that the group launched operations against what it described as sensitive targets in Riyadh, as well as Aramco facilities in Yanbu.
The Houthis said the attacks were in response to recent strikes on Sanaa, Yemen’s capital.
Saudi authorities, meanwhile, reported that their air defense forces intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh early Saturday, Sept. 19.
Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, confirmed the successful interception in a statement.
The DMW urged Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to stay vigilant and observe all security and emergency instructions issued by Saudi authorities.
OFWs and their families needing immediate assistance may contact the DMW through 1348 in Metro Manila, 02-1348 outside Metro Manila, or +632-1348 for callers overseas.
Filipinos in Saudi Arabia may also reach MWO Riyadh Labor Attaché Dominador Salanga at +966 502 850 944, MWO Jeddah Labor Attaché Fidel Macauyag at +965 698 19720, and MWO Alkhobar Labor Attaché Sulaiman Mutya at +966 562 329 926.
The DMW said it would continue monitoring the situation and release further updates as verified information becomes available.
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