The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could last four to eight weeks based on initial reports received by Philippine diplomatic posts, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official told senators Friday.

During a Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing, DFA Assistant Secretary Germinia Usudan said the fighting may be longer than previous clashes and could have implications for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Philippine economy.

“We hope it will end soon but based on the situation, I think it will be a protracted war and this is an unconventional war,” Usudan said.

She said the government is closely monitoring possible effects on about 2.4 million Filipinos working in the Middle East, as well as potential disruptions in global oil supply and commodity prices.

“Ang nakikita po natin effect dito ay first, ‘yung OFW po … kasi (One of the possible effects is on OFWs because) we have about 2.4 million Filipinos in the region,” she said.

Usudan added that developments in key oil routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, where about 20 percent of global oil supply passes, could affect fuel prices and the cost of goods due to higher transport and delivery expenses.

Meanwhile, Department of National Defense Assistant Secretary for Strategy and Policy Jeffrey Hechanova said the timeline of the conflict remains uncertain due to the rapidly evolving situation.

“Due to the fluidity of the situation … mahirap talagang magbigay ng legitimate timeline because may action and counteraction po kasi bawat countries (it is difficult to give a legitimate timeline because each country’s actions are met with counteractions),” Hechanova said.

He said government agencies continue to monitor developments while preparing response protocols, as lawmakers noted that a prolonged conflict could affect Filipino workers in the region and have broader economic implications for the country. (PNA)