Shiite Muslims carry a coffin of a protester who was killed during a demonstration outside the US Consulate in Karachi on March 1, 2026, following the death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid US-Israel strikes. At least nine people were killed during pro-Iran protests at the United States consulate in the Pakistan megacity of Karachi on March 1, according to a hospital toll seen by AFP. Asif Hassan, AFP
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been placed on heightened alert following escalating tensions in the Middle East after reported coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran-linked targets.
In a press briefing on Monday, PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured the public that authorities remained firm in their commitment to maintain peace and order in the country, regardless of developments abroad.
“With or without the conflict in the Middle East the PNP is standing firm especially with our commitment to keep the public safe and there is peace and order in our community,” Nartatez said.
Israel strikes Tehran: Latest developments in Iran war
The PNP chief noted that security threats in the Philippines are generally categorized into three, namely criminal gangs and organized crime groups; left-leaning groups, including communist terrorist groups (CTGs); and extremist organizations such as Jemaah Islamiyah and Daesh.
He said authorities were continuously monitoring these groups through intelligence operations, as well as keeping a close watch on key establishments and personalities that could be potential targets.
Among those being secured were the Embassy of the United States in Manila and the Embassy of Israel in Manila, along with visiting US and Israeli dignitaries, their establishments, and related activities.
“So kailangan natin i-secure. Tuloy-tuloy naman ‘yun, not only them but of course tayo na because we are allied with these two countries and the rest of the countries that are allied with them,” Nartatez said.
Gov't to repatriate remains of OFW caregiver killed by Iran strike in Israel
Addressing concerns over possible threats linked to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, Nartatez dismissed claims meant to alarm the public.
The EDCA, he explained, involves sites used for joint operations and bilateral training efforts between Philippine and US forces.
He stressed that similar arrangements have long existed under the Mutual Defense Treaty.
“Ang tagal na nyan nag-e-exist and in so far as the conflict in the Middle East, and not only in the Middle East involving our partners here, ay wala pa naman nangyari,” he said.
“Huwag dapat mabahala ang ating mga kababayan para sa mga ganyan na nangyayari but of course we are still on guard,” he added.
Filipino caregiver in Tel Aviv recalls frantic run to shelter as Middle East conflict reignites