Manila, March 2 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said crisis alert levels for Filipinos in the Middle East remain amid continuing tensions in the region.

In a statement Monday, the DFA assured that the Philippine government, through its embassies and consulates in the Middle East, would continue to provide assistance to nationals.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs continues to coordinate closely with Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the region and has actively monitored the situation over the past 72 hours to ascertain the status of Filipinos in their respective jurisdictions. Our Posts remain on the ground and vigilant," the statement read.

The DFA said Alert Level 1 (precautionary phase) is issued "when there ...