In light of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan has directed the PLDT Group to provide communication assistance to overseas Filipinos in affected areas.

“Worrying about our OFWs. I’ve asked PLDT and Smart to offer free calls for Filipinos in countries affected by the conflict in the Middle East. The marching order is to make it as easy as possible for our countrymen to reach their loved ones, and vice versa,” said Pangilinan on X.

Filipinos in conflict stricken locations can call the Department of Migrant Workers–Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW OWWA) 1348 hotline for free using their Smart Virtual Numbers on the TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing) platform, powered by PLDT Global.

PLDT Global has also enabled free calls to the Philippines via Smart Virtual Numbers on the TinBo app for Filipinos in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates until March 15. Overseas Filipinos may download the TinBo app on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or register via www.tinbo.ph.

In the Philippines, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers can make free IDD calls to the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran. Smart and TNT subscribers may also call these countries at no cost. Both offers are available until March 7, 2026.

Smart subscribers in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen may call the Smart Crisis Hotline at +632 8845 7799 toll free for urgent coordination with family in the Philippines.

The PLDT Group urges overseas Filipinos in affected areas to stay vigilant, follow local advisories, and stay in touch with Philippine embassies and consulates.