The Philippines Alert level classification system essentially classifies the degree of threat and of immediate danger that the migrant worker is facing. The system serves as an advisor to all affected Filipino workers by instructing them on what to do to keep them safe and secure in times of crises. n accordance with the established protocols on international relations, the Crisis Alert Levels, with their respective indicators and deployment status, are:

1. ALERT LEVEL 1 (Precautionary Phase): It is issued when there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability, and/or external threat to the host country. Filipinos are alerted to take necessary precautions.

2. ALERT LEVEL 2 (Restriction Phase): It is issued if there are threats to the life, security and property of Filipinos arising from internal disturbance, instability, and/external threat. Filipinos are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation. DOLE only allows returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), with existing employment contracts, or a group of OFWs under special circumstances, to go back to their host country.

3. ALERT LEVEL 3 (Voluntary Repatriation): It is issued when violent disturbances or external aggression occur in a limited area. Overseas Filipinos are enjoined to return to the Philippines upon employers’, or if not possible, government’s expense. DOLE shall impose absolute deployment ban.

4. ALERT LEVEL 4 (Mandatory Repatriation): It is issued when there is a large scale internal conflict or full blown external attack. The Philippine Government shall undertake mandatory evacuation procedures.