India, March 3 -- The Philippine government, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said the bloc is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, including its impact on Southeast Asians working in the region.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, in a press briefing on the sidelines of the 2026 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) meetings in Makati on Tuesday, said the Philippines stands ready to assist not only Filipino but also Southeast Asians "as may be necessary."

"The ASCC, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is also ensuring that needed assistance would be extended not only to Filipinos but also to the nationals of our ASEAN f...