By AFP

The Department of Foreign Affairs downgraded the alert level in Iran to Level 2 from Level 3.

Level 2 or the Restriction Phase is prompted by “threats to the life, security and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability, and external threat.” Under this level, Filipinos are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation, according to the DFA website.

It added that only returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), with existing employment contracts, or a group of OFWs under special circumstances, are allowed to go back to their host country under Alert Level 2.

Meanwhile, the previous Alert Level 3 encourages OFWs to return to the Philippines, with the expenses covered by their employers or the government. The labor department bans OFW deployment under this level.

“Despite the lowering of the Alert Level, the Philippine Embassy in Tehran will continue facilitating the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos,” the DFA said.

“The Department will closely monitor the situation in the region and will update the Alert Levels, as necessary,” it added.

The alert level was lowered nearly a month after US President Donald Trump on June 22 ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as part of a military campaign by Israel.

Iran responded by firing missiles at a major US base in Qatar but Trump said that Iran had telegraphed its intentions, giving time to shoot down the projectiles. Soon afterward Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel and Iran.