Amid the escalating tension and violence in Israel, no Filipinos have sought repatriation assistance, stated Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega.
“This conflict between Israel and Hamas is a familiar cycle for Filipinos in the region. They have witnessed this pattern of escalating hostilities that eventually subside, only to return later. Filipinos are resilient,” de Vega mentioned in a conversation with INQUIRER.net.
While there haven’t been requests for repatriation, the DFA remains prepared to assist any Filipino who wishes to return home. Over the past weekend, the Palestinian Hamas group launched attacks on Israeli targets, leading to numerous casualties.
In a related matter, de Vega highlighted that the Philippine Embassy is currently investigating claims regarding a Filipino caregiver purportedly captured by the attackers. “Our Embassy is verifying such reports,” confirmed de Vega.
Earlier, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) commented on the safety of Filipinos in Israel. Most Filipinos have taken refuge in shelters, and no casualties among them have been reported.
Hans Cacdac, DMW officer-in-charge, in an interview with ABS-CBN News, said, “Many are safe in their shelters. Some have moved to other areas, but predominantly, they remain unharmed in their shelters.”
He further emphasized that no Filipinos have been reported injured or deceased due to the attacks. The DMW confirmed communicating with approximately 20 Filipinos outside the combat-affected Gaza region and has been in touch with them and their families to understand their circumstances.