The PLDT Group has extended free call services and added more free call stations in select PLDT and Smart stores in major malls to help overseas Filipino workers stay connected with their families amid tensions in the Middle East.

Telecommunication firms will offer free communication services to allow Filipinos to talk to their family members in the Middle East, President Marcos announced.

“Further assistance (has) been initiated for our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in the Middle East,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday, March 9.

“I have directed our telecommunications companies to provide free communication services between our OFWs and their families here in the Philippines,” Marcos added.

The President said telcos have activated the Libreng Tawag Program, which will provide “critical support” for Filipinos across the Middle East, including those in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Public telecommunications entities would also set up free call stations in selected business centers located in major malls to help families stay in touch with their loved ones abroad.

“Through these efforts, we want to ensure that our kababayans can remain connected with their families, offer comfort to one another and confirm their safety without additional financial burden,” the Chief Executive said.

The PLDT Group announced on Monday it has extended free call services and added more free call stations in select PLDT and Smart stores in major malls to help (OFWs) stay connected with their families amid tensions in the Middle East.

Free calls to the Philippines via TinBo remain available until March 15 for users in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

In the Philippines, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers can continue making free international calls to the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran until March 15.

Meanwhile, Smart and TNT subscribers have access until March 14.

Smart subscribers in 22 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, and Yemen, may also contact the Smart crisis hotline at +632 8845 7799 toll-free for urgent coordination with families back home.

“The PLDT Group encourages Filipinos in affected regions to stay vigilant, follow local advisories, and stay in touch with Philippine embassies and consulates,” PLDT said in a statement on Monday.

According to latest reports, some 1,300 people, including Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, have been killed since the US and Israel launched air strikes in Iran last Feb. 28.

Iran retaliated by targeting American and Israeli bases across the Middle East, where about 2.5 million Filipinos live and work.

Facts, not hearsay

The repatriation of Filipinos from the Middle East must be based on facts, not hearsay, Malacañang said on Sunday, March 8, (Monday Manila time).

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro was responding to Vice President Sara Duterte’s remark that it is easy to send an airplane to evacuate Filipinos from Dubai.

Duterte, in an online interview, said her friend managed to return to the Philippines from Dubai despite the airspace closure.

“That’s the problem with those who don’t study, don’t think and don’t know what this government’s program really is. They only talk to get views,” Castro told the Philippine media delegation covering Marcos’ working visit in New York.?

“When you are a leader, you should give opinions, you should suggest, you should make decisions based on the truth, facts and also the situations and the conditions of the stakeholders,” the Palace press officer said.

She noted that crucial government decisions must not be based on a friend’s experience or gossip.

Safe return

At the same time, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said 90 OFWs have safely returned to the country.

The OFWs and dependents from the United Arab Emirates landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 Sunday night.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said the government is looking at other possible ways to conduct repatriation of OFWs, including chartered flights.

This latest batch of OFWs brought the total number of Filipinos assisted by the government to more than 400 since the Iran conflict broke out.

Meanwhile, the DMW ordered the recall of its personnel in Bahrain who was seen on video disrespecting OFWs seeking financial help. – With Helen Flores, Rhodina Villanueva