MANILA, June 13 -- The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), expressed "grave concern" over heightened tensions in the Middle East following Israel's unprecedented direct attack on Iran.

Israel launched the sweeping air strikes on Friday, targeting nuclear sites and killing the Iranian military's top brass, in an attack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said can last for "many days."

"With the welfare of the people of the Middle East and the Filipinos there in mind, the Philippines urges concerned countries to deescalate and follow the path of peace," Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement on Friday.

The Philippine Embassies in the region, meanwhile, stand ready to assist Fi...