Filipino caregiver Gelienor ‘Jimmy’ Pacheco has been released from Hamas captivity amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Pacheco was part of the first group of hostages freed on Friday, a move that came as a result of a prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel.
The Israeli Embassy in Manila confirmed Pacheco’s release and his current presence in Israel, where he is undergoing medical evaluations. The release was met with relief and appreciation from various quarters, including the Philippine government. Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos expressed his joy and gratitude towards those who facilitated Pacheco’s release, specifically acknowledging the efforts of the Philippine Foreign Service and the State of Qatar.
However, concerns remain for another Filipino national, Noralyn Babadilla, who is believed to have been taken hostage during Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel. President Marcos emphasized the ongoing efforts to locate and secure Babadilla.
The recent swap, mediated primarily by Qatar, led to the release of 24 hostages, including 13 Israelis, 10 Thais, and Pacheco. In return, Israel freed 39 Palestinian women and children from its prisons. The exchange, which took place during a four-day ceasefire, was marked by emotional scenes in both Israel and Palestine as hostages and prisoners returned to their families.
The ceasefire is expected to see a total of 50 hostages released by Hamas in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.