UPDATE 3: PLDT Group scales up emergency connectivity for Middle East OFWs
March 11, 2026
In direct response to the directive of President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. to prioritize the welfare and safety of overseas Filipinos amid the ongoing unrest in the Middle East, the PLDT Group has expanded its suite of emergency communication tools. This initiative aligns with the administration's mandate to maintain vital lifelines for OFWs and their families, ensuring that those in affected regions remain connected during this critical time.
The PLDT Group is placing a primary focus on accessible coordination through the DMW-OWWA 1348 hotline. OFWs can connect to this service for free by utilizing Smart Virtual Numbers on the TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing) platform, which is accessible via the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or at tinbo.ph.
Additionally, for urgent coordination with family in the Philippines, Smart subscribers currently situated in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen are encouraged to use the dedicated 24/7 Smart Crisis Hotline toll-free at +632 8845 7799.
Building on the emergency support activated by PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, the Group is extending these free services to alleviate the burden on Filipino workers. Users in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can continue making free calls to the Philippines via the TinBo platform until March 15.
PLDT Home and Enterprise customers have until March 15 to make free IDD calls to the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran, while this service remains available for Smart and TNT subscribers until March 14.
Beyond digital platforms, the Group has established additional free call stations in all PLDT and Smart stores nationwide to provide physical access for those needing to reach their family members in affected areas. For a list of PLDT Sales and Service Centers, click here. For a list of Smart Stores, visit this page.
As the situation remains fluid, the PLDT Group urges all Filipinos in the impacted regions to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to local government advisories, and maintain open lines of communication with their respective Philippine embassies and consulates.
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UPDATE 2: PLDT Group extends free calls for OFWs, expands support in malls
March 9, 2026
Pursuant to the directive of President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. to provide accessible lifelines for OFWs and their families during the crisis in the Middle East, the PLDT Group has expanded its communication assistance for overseas Filipinos, extending all free call services and setting up additional free call stations in select PLDT and Smart stores located in major malls.
This expanded effort builds on the initial order from PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, who earlier instructed the Group to activate emergency communication support for Filipinos in affected countries.
Free calls to the Philippines through TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing), powered by PLDT Global, also remain available for users in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE until March 15. TinBo can be accessed through Google Play, the Apple App Store, and tinbo.ph.
In the Philippines, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers may continue making free IDD calls to the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran until March 15, while this service is available to Smart and TNT subscribers until March 14.
The PLDT Group encourages Filipinos in affected regions to stay vigilant, follow local advisories, and stay in touch with Philippine embassies and consulates.
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FREE CALLS: MVP orders emergency comms lifelines for Pinoys in Middle East
March 3, 2026
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 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.
