PLDT Group scales up emergency connectivity support for OFWs in the Middle East

The PLDT Group has expanded its emergency connectivity support to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East stay connected with their families and Philippine authorities as tensions in the region continue to unfold.

The move follows a directive from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the welfare and safety of Filipinos overseas, particularly those in areas affected by ongoing unrest. Telecommunications providers were urged to ensure that communication lifelines remain accessible for OFWs and their families during the crisis.

As part of the effort, the PLDT Group is strengthening access to the Department of Migrant Workers–Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW–OWWA) 1348 hotline, which serves as a key support channel for Filipino workers abroad. OFWs can connect to the hotline for free through Smart Virtual Numbers using the TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing) platform, available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and via its web portal.

For urgent coordination with families in the Philippines, Smart subscribers in the Middle East may also use the 24/7 Smart Crisis Hotline at +632 8845 7799 free of charge. The service is accessible to subscribers located in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

The expanded assistance builds on the emergency communication support earlier activated by PLDT Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. Through the TinBo platform, users in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can continue making free calls to the Philippines until March 15, helping reduce the communication burden for Filipino workers in affected areas.

Meanwhile, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers may continue making free international direct dialing (IDD) calls to the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran until March 15. The same service remains available for Smart and TNT subscribers until March 14, providing additional options for families seeking to reach relatives abroad.

Beyond digital tools, the PLDT Group has also set up additional free call stations in PLDT and Smart stores nationwide, allowing Filipinos in the Philippines to contact loved ones in the Middle East without incurring charges.

The telecommunications group urged Filipinos in affected areas to remain vigilant, follow advisories from local authorities, and maintain communication with Philippine embassies and consulates as the situation continues to evolve.

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