Manila, March 9 -- The Philippine government has been working "since the first signs of the crisis" in the Middle East, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Sunday (New York time).

In a statement, Cacdac said DMW offices are coordinating with ambassadors and heads of posts from affected Gulf states to ensure the safety of Filipinos living and residing in host countries.

"Our Migrant Workers Offices, working under the guidance of our Ambassadors and Heads of Posts, have been on the ground since the first signs of this crisis," he said.

"They have been tirelessly coordinating with local authorities, reaching out to OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), identifying service providers, and carefully preparing the a...