MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has downgraded the alert level in Iran from Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) to Level 2 (restriction phase), citing “positive developments” in the country’s security situation following recent tensions between Iran and Israel.

The DFA said the downgrade takes effect immediately, but stressed that repatriation efforts will continue for Filipinos who wish to return home.

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

The move comes weeks after Iran was placed under Alert Level 3 on June 20, following heightened hostilities triggered by Israel’s Operation Rising Lion targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran was previously under Alert Level 1 (precautionary phase) before the escalation.

The DFA noted it will continue to “closely monitor the situation in the region” and will adjust alert levels as needed.

Latest figures from the department show that around 1,180 Filipinos are currently in Iran, most of them spouses of Iranian nationals.

Earlier this month, the DFA received two batches of evacuees who were repatriated from Iran via Turkmenistan. The groups included 11 overseas Filipinos and two OFWs, all assisted by the DFA’s Rapid Response Team in the neighboring country. (PNA)