Manila, March 1 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to assist in humanitarian and evacuation operations amid the Middle East tension.

"The DND is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in coordination with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) and other relevant agencies," the DND said in a statement.

"At the moment, the conflict is contained within the Middle East and there is no credible direct threat to our territory and Filipino and foreign citizens in the country. We urge vigilance against disinformation and condemn those who unnecessarily rouse panic during these circumstances."

The DND said the AFP is rea...