Manila, March 2 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict, a Malacanang official said Monday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President has directed concerned government agencies to provide all necessary assistance to Filipinos affected by the escalating tension since it began on Feb. 28.

"Iginiit ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa mga ahensiya na ipagpatuloy at paigtingin pa ang pagmo-monitor sa kalagayan ng mga Pilipino sa mga apektadong lugar (President Marcos Jr. urged agencies to continue and intensify monitoring of the situation of Filipinos in affected areas)," she ...