Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told European defense leaders that countries benefiting from Filipino workers have a duty to protect them, amid the ongoing war in the Middle East that has affected over two million Filipinos abroad.
He highlighted that Filipinos form a significant portion of healthcare staff and seafarers, with many already harmed or repatriated due to the conflict, while stressing the economic and human cost to the Philippines.
Speaking at the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum, the first Southeast Asian defense minister to do so, Teodoro also called for stronger cooperation between Europe, NATO, and the Philippines.
He cited disruptions in shipping and oil imports as major impacts on the Philippines and emphasized the need for shared international responsibility.
Teodoro further criticized China’s misinformation campaign on the South China Sea and urged Western and Asian powers to maintain unity amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 27, 2026
FILIPINO WORKERS DESERVE GLOBAL PROTECTION, TEODORO TELLS EU LEADERS
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