OFWs urged to take precaution amid turmoil in France, Saudi and Israel
This photograph shows a fire burning and destroying the city hall after a group of individuals forced entry into the building during ongoing protest action against the “high cost of living”, in Limoges, central France on October 17, 2026. Melaine Payzal, AFPMANILA — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in France, Saudi Arabia, and Israel were urged on Sunday to take precaution amid chaotic incidents due to different issues.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, the vice chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said that Filipino workers should be wary of the violent clashes between protesters and authorities in France, particularly in Paris.
“To our fellowmen in France, take double precaution especially in going to work because of massive riots and looting,” he said in a statement.
France was hit with clashes between police and protesters, mass looting and fires due to demonstrations triggered by rising costs of living.
The unrest followed weeks of student protests and comes just six months ahead of elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron.
Around 1,200 people had been arrested and 150 police officers hurt.
Meanwhile, Tulfo also urged OFWs in Israel to be careful, too.
“For those in Saudi Arabia, be extra careful and mindful of the news before coming to work because there are bombing attacks by Iran-backed Houthis, like what happened to the seven OFWs who were wounded due to the attack at the King Khalid International Airport,” he said.
Tulfo also cautioned OFWs in Israel to avoid going to the West Bank as much as possible due to alleged attacks by masked Israeli settlers against some foreigners.