MANILA, Philippines — Twelve local government officials from Bulacan are currently stranded in Dubai amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday (March 4), Remulla said the group consists of 11 vice mayors and one mayor who traveled to Dubai last week in their personal capacity. 

The officials reportedly left the Philippines on February 25 after securing travel authority, although Remulla said authorities are still verifying whether the mayor who joined the trip had the required clearance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. 

Remulla clarified that the vice mayors had been granted permission to travel since their trip was not funded by government resources.

“Personal capacity… that’s what was stated in their application, so we allowed it. As long as no government funds are used, they will be allowed,” Remulla said. 

The officials were unable to immediately return to the Philippines as flight operations in parts of the Middle East were disrupted following rising tensions involving the United States and Iran, which have affected regional air travel. 

According to Remulla, the stranded officials have not yet formally requested assistance from the Philippine government. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation while verifying travel documents and possible arrangements for their return. 

Meanwhile, Philippine officials are also monitoring the safety of Filipinos in the region, as millions of overseas Filipino workers live across the Middle East.

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