OFWs in the Gulf: Here for the long haul amid war on Iran

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – It was past 8 pm. The phones started blaring a bombing alarm. A message came from the government: “Due to potential threats, seek shelter… UAE air defenses are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran.”

For a second or so, people froze. After getting their senses back, some went inside malls or other buildings, looking up for falling debris. In a few minutes, it was over.

It was Thursday, March 5. In the morning, around 11 am, the alarms blared again. People went into run-for-cover or look-up-for-falling-debris mode.

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The life after

Life has dramatically changed a week after the US and Israel bombed Iran, which retaliated by hitting targets in Gulf countries. It has been a tit-for-tat barrage of missile and drone attacks since.

The civilians, including UAE’s approximately one million Filipinos, scamper for safety whenever interceptions ensue. 

According to a March 5 advisory from the UAE Ministry of Defense (MOD), seven ballistic missiles were detected, six of which were intercepted and destroyed mid-air, while one fell in the country.

Some 131 drones were also detected, the ministry said, of which 125 were intercepted while six fell within the UAE territory.

The ministry said 196 ballistic missiles launched toward the UAE have been detected since Iran’s retaliatory actions began on February 28, with 181 destroyed, 13 falling into the sea, and two landing within UAE territory.

A total of 1,072 Iranian drones had also been detected, of which 1,001 were intercepted, while 71 fell within the country, according to the MOD. 

Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed, it added.

The attacks resulted in three fatalities – a Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi – as well as 94 minor injuries, including a Filipino, MOD said.

According to a study by The National, a media organization, the UAE has received the most number of drone and missile attacks at 812 and 194 respectively from Feb. 28 to March 4.

Not faltering

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a recent press conference that Filipinos in the UAE prefer to stay despite the bombings because “work disruption has not been that bad” and they “still have jobs.” He added that the UAE government is protecting both locals and expatriates, so “life pretty much goes on.”

“They could have whole a variety of reasons…many of them still have work, if were looking at Abu Dhabi, life goes on as usual, nagtatrabaho pa rin sila (they still go to work). Sa Dubai, meron nang mga work from home (In Dubai, there already is work from home). But work continues, work goes on, it could be one reason, the work disruption has not been that (bad). So, they still have jobs, that could be one reason,” Cacdac said.

He added: “I think that also says something about the protocols that the host country is affording them. In the UAE, life pretty much goes on. Of course, they hear the bombings, they hear the attacks, notwithstanding that, they know the government is there to protect them.”

Jasmine Lantay, an office administrative staffer who lives near Dubai International Airport, is always ready in case anything happens.

“Kaya nga ako, kapag papasok sa work, lagi akong may dalang pang-dalawang araw ng damit. Dala ko rin ang passport ko,” said Lantay.

(That’s why I always bring two days of clothing whenever I go to work. I also have my passport with me.)

Most others have a backpack stashed somewhere in their homes, packed with essentials and ready to pull out should the situation worsen.

Ericson Reyes, president of the Filipino Social Club (FILSOC), an aggrupation of various Filipino organizations, said he trusts that the UAE government can protect the country.

“Kahit na nakakasanayan na natin ang mga alerto, mahalaga na huwag tayong maging kampante. Ang pagiging handa ay hindi pagpapakita ng takot, kundi pagpapakita ng talino at disiplina,” he said.

(It’s important not be complacent even if we have gotten used to the phone alerts. Preparedness is not showing fear, instead it is sowing wisdom and discipline.)

Michelle David, a hotel executive, said they report for work every day. “Everything goes on,” she said.

Dr. Daffodils Guevarra, who has been a practicing doctor in Dubai for 17 years and branch manager of the hospital she works in, said the conflict is “kind of developing into a regional war.”

“Western media says we are being forced to speak a narrative. Kasi daw paulit-ulit and consistent- that we are safe and calm and largely lead normal lives. Eh, totoo naman kasi – it’s the truth!” she said.

(Because we are consistent that we live normal lives. It’s the truth.)

Impact on mental health

Guevarra said she is working on her mental health. “Listening to calm music, watching feel-good movies, eating food that makes me feel good. Also, it helps to talk to people. Sense of community.”

“Aside from talking about normal stuff, we also talk about preparedness like ‘What’s in your go-to bag, where to go if things go south, let’s go together, what to buy? What do you have?’” she added.

Guevarra said they have started using two-way radios, too.

Manny Esquivel, a restaurant manager at a five-star hotel, said they are busy with the iftar bookings. Iftar is dining to break the daylong fast during this month of Ramadan.

“The restaurant is busy, especially the iftar service; the rest is quiet,” he said.

Sally Mallari, a personal assistant to an Emirati businessman, who had earlier cautioned people to “avoid windows and open areas,” described the situation as it is: “The… situation is still uncertain. Over the past few days, it’s been relatively quiet during the mornings, but after Iftar, there have been alarms again. Compared to the first few days when everything started, things seem a bit calmer, but it’s still hard to say what will happen next. Everyone is hoping for a more stable and peaceful environment, but for now, we really can’t tell. Hoping for better days ahead and for this situation to finally end.”

Filipinos, other nationalities, and locals are here for the long haul while the war drags on. – Rappler.com