The PLDT Group has expanded communication assistance for overseas Filipinos following a directive from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to provide accessible lifelines amid the Middle East crisis.
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| PLDT extends free calls for Filipinos in Middle East through March 15 |
The initiative includes additional free call stations at select PLDT and Smart stores in major malls, as well as the continuation of free call services for Filipinos abroad.
PLDT Group chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan earlier ordered the activation of emergency communication support for Filipinos in affected countries.
Filipinos in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can continue making free calls to the Philippines via TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing), powered by PLDT Global, until March 15. The service is accessible through Google Play, the Apple App Store, and www.tinbo.ph.
In the Philippines, PLDT Home and Enterprise customers may also make free international calls to the Gulf States, Israel, and Iran until March 15. Smart and TNT subscribers can access the service until March 14.
Smart subscribers in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen can also call the Smart Crisis Hotline at +632 8845 7799 toll-free for urgent coordination with family in the Philippines.
The PLDT Group urged Filipinos in affected regions to remain vigilant, follow local advisories, and stay in contact with Philippine embassies and consulates, emphasizing its commitment to delivering meaningful connections and supporting the government’s digitalization and nation-building initiatives.

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