Philippine telecommunication firms have opened communication lines for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) living in countries affected by the conflict in the Middle East.
PLDT said that through the TinBo app, Filipinos can call the Department of Migrant Workers–Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW OWWA) hotline for free at 1348 using their Smart Virtual Numbers on the app.
The telco firm added that OFWs in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can call their loved ones in the Philippines for free via Smart Virtual Numbers on the TinBo app until March 7.
They may download the TinBo app on the Google Play or Apple App Store, or register at www.tinbo.ph.
In the Philippines, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers can make free IDD (International Direct Dialing) 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.
SMART is also providing free calls to SMART and TNT subscribers to the countries of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates until March 7.
The company also said that its SMART Care Crisis Hotline (+632 88 457799) is free for OFWs.
Globe Telecom is also providing free roaming calls, texts and data services, valid for seven days.
To avail of the offer, subscribers must connect to the following partner networks:
- Bahrain — Batelco and Zain Bahrain
- Kuwait — Ooredoo Kuwait and stc Kuwait
- Qatar — Ooredoo and Vodafone
- Saudi Arabia — STC and Zain
- United Arab Emirates — Du and Etisalat
Globe also said it is extending load support or credit adjustments to subscribers in Iran.
Further details may be viewed through this link.
What we know so far
The United States and Israel had launched an attack on Iran, with US President Donald Trump saying the operation was meant to eliminate an “imminent threat” and encourage Iranians to overthrow their government.
READ: Explainer: Why is the US attacking Iran? | US‑Israeli attack on Iran risks plunging the world into turmoil
Iran, in response, has launched missile attacks on US, Israeli, and allied targets across the region, as well as US allies including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump first threatened military action against Iran in January, promising that “help is on the way” when protests over economic conditions broke out throughout the country and were brutally repressed by Iran’s theocratic regime.
READ: Explainer: Who might succeed in Iran’s theocratic system of power?
