Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel continue to relocate after missile and drone strikes from Iran wiped out dozens of their homes.
The Philippine Embassy in Israel, led by Ambassador Aileen Mendiola-Rau, confirmed that around 127 OFWs lost their homes in the affected areas, during her interview with TeleRadyo on Monday, June 23.
“Those who had their houses destroyed are now 127, but of this 127, 118 have been resettled. We’re just arranging the resettlement of the nine,” Mendiola-Rau said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that 30,742 Filipinos are currently residing in Israel, while 1,180 are in Iran as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.
The embassy said that 50 Filipinos have expressed their intention to return home, while 26 previously evacuated to Jordan are expected to arrive in the Philippines on June 24.
Embassy assists as conflict intensifies
Despite the conflict, the embassy assured that it remains fully operational and committed to assisting affected Filipinos.
According to the DFA, eight Filipinos have been reported injured. Seven of them have already been discharged from the hospital, while one remains in critical condition.
Ambassador Mendiola-Rau reminded Filipinos to be cautious about what they share online, stressing the importance of responsible use of social media to avoid confusion within the community.
“What’s important is that everybody becomes very responsible in terms of the use of their social media. Because the time and effort of the embassy is wasted,” she added.
Filipinos in Israel have been instructed to stay in areas with bomb shelters and only leave for essential needs such as food and petrol.
PH urges diplomacy amid tensions
Following the announcement that the United States has joined Israel’s military operations against Iran, the Philippine government appealed to all parties involved to avoid further escalation.
In a statement released on Sunday evening, June 22, the DFA expressed concern over the rising violence in the Middle East, which has seen more than a week of missile exchanges.
“We strongly urge concerned parties to take the path of diplomacy and avoid further escalation of this conflict that could threaten regional and international peace and security,” the statement read.
The DFA emphasized that the Philippines continues to support a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Urgent repatriation of OFWs
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday directed government agencies to ensure the safe and timely return of over 200 Filipinos affected by rising tensions between Israel and Iran.
“I have directed all concerned agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safe, timely, and orderly return of Filipinos who wish to avail of the voluntary repatriation program,” he said.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac traveled to Jordan to receive the first batch of 26 repatriates from Israel, following the DFA’s raising of Alert Level 3 for both Israel and Iran.
Meanwhile, food packs and financial aid have been provided to OFWs with additional shelter available, while the government prepares to repatriate eight Filipinos from Iran.
“Upon arrival, they will receive immediate support, including Php150,000 assistance, accommodation, transport, and livelihood aid,” he added.
He assured continued support for Filipinos who choose to stay, including skills training and business assistance.
