Manila, June 23 -- Senators on Monday called on concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the Middle East amid the worsening conflict between Israel and Iran.

In a statement, Senator Risa Hontiveros said the "rapidly escalating conflict" could affect not only the estimated 29,400 Filipinos in Israel and 1,184 in Iran, but also the wider Filipino population of about 2.2 million in the Middle East.

She said this is a possibility after Iran's recent threat of retaliation against American facilities or personnel in multiple countries throughout the region.

"The whole of government must prepare measures to safeguard OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in the region. Milyon-milyon ang Pilipinong maapektuhan kung sakalin...