MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday called on the national government to prepare contingency measures amid the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, warning that the involvement of the United States could further intensify the crisis and endanger overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the region.

Marcos said the participation of the U.S. marks a “significant escalation” in hostilities and increases the risk of a wider regional conflict.

“I am deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of millions of Filipinos in the region who may be caught in the crossfire and whose jobs may now be in peril,” she said.

The senator also pointed to the economic consequences of the conflict, particularly the continued rise in fuel prices, which she said could severely impact the country’s transport, agricultural, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.

Marcos urged the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices to regularly assess the security situation of OFWs in affected areas and coordinate with host governments for emergency repatriation if necessary.

She also called on the administration to craft an action plan to mitigate the effects of rising oil prices and ensure financial and livelihood assistance for displaced Filipinos.

Marcos appealed to the international community to exhaust all diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation and restore peace in the region.