MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Raymond Balatbat said there was no need to raise the alert level in Saudi Arabia or issue a travel advisory amid recent attacks on the kingdom by Iran-backed Houti rebels.
An attack on King Khalid International airport in Riyadh last Oct. 10, 2026 killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 300. It was considered the deadliest assault on the kingdom in more than a decade. The Houthis have also struck airports, ports and oil facilities.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) previously placed Saudi Arabia under Alert Level 2 (restriction). It will reptriate Filipinos if the alert level is raised to 3.
But the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has clarified that there was currently no total deployment ban to Saudi Arabia.
In a television interview on Tuesday, Balatbat said the Philippine Embassy was prepared to implement its contingency plans based on evolving developments in the kingdom.
"At present, it is not necessary to raise the alert level or issue a travel advisory to the kingdom," Balatbat said in Filipino.
He also said that the DMW has confirmed that there was "no deployment ban" for those wishing to work in Saudi Arabia.
"We are actively coordinating with the relevant government agencies of Saudi Arabia and our partner agencies to closely monitor the situation and adjust our contingency plan based on current events and potential scenarios taking into account the fluid situation in various areas of the kingdom," he said.
"We encourage the Filipino community to remain updated and follow instructions from official sources," the ambassador added.
"These attacks are a grave threat to regional peace and stability," the DFA said in a statement on Oct. 19.
The Philippines also called on all parties to cease hostilities and to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
"We urge all Filipinos in the Kingdom to follow the guidance of Saudi authorities and to remain in contact with the Embassy and Consulate General," the DFA added.
