MANILA - The Philippines on Saturday expressed concern over missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, where over a million Filipinos live and work.

This after Houthi Shiite rebels in Yemen launched missile attacks against Saudi Arabia's capital, targeting the Yamama Palace in Riyadh.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Manila hopes for a solution in the Yemen conflict, noting that the Philippine government is "strongly concerned" over the attacks against Riyadh.

“The Philippines is strongly concerned over the series of ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the recent launches targeting populated areas of Riyadh, as this puts innocent civilians, including many of our kababayans there, at serious risk,” Cayetano said in a statement.

“It is our fervent hope and prayer that a solution be found to the conflict in Yemen so that we could help bring about peace and stability in the Arabian Peninsula,” he added.

Cayetano also thanked the Saudi government for ensuring the safety of Filipinos working in Riyadh.

“The Philippines is thankful to Saudi Arabia for continuing to ensure the safety and security not only of its citizens but also of our kababayans there,” he said.

Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto meanwhile assured Filipino workers in the Kingdom and their families in the Philippines that contingency plans are in place to ensure that the Embassy would be able to lead Filipinos to safety in case the situation escalates.