PLDT Group Scales up Emergency Connectivity for Middle East OFWs

In direct response to President Bongbong Marcos, Jr.'s directive to prioritize the welfare and safety of overseas Filipinos amid 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 access this service for free by using Smart Virtual Numbers on the TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing) platform, available on the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or at www.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.