10-10-2023 (MANILA) Seven Filipino nationals in Israel, known to be working near the tumultuous Gaza Strip, are currently unaccounted for and are believed to have fallen into the hands of the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. This unsettling revelation follows the recent series of attacks launched by Hamas on the Jewish state. Sources close to the situation expressed their fears regarding the missing individuals, stating that they remain out of reach and conspicuously absent from any online presence since the commencement of the attacks.
The Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv has officially reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that there are six Filipinos currently unaccounted for, but crucially, the embassy’s report does not specify the exact whereabouts or workplaces of these individuals, nor does it shed light on the circumstances under which they may have been potentially taken hostage by the militants. Embassy officials have highlighted the inability to establish contact with these Filipinos through either their mobile phones or social media platforms.
“The embassy is working ceaselessly in coordination with Israeli security authorities and local community contacts to ascertain the well-being of these individuals. We are eagerly awaiting updates from these collaborative efforts,” affirmed the embassy in a statement.
However, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief, Arnell Ignacio, has contradicted the embassy’s figures, asserting that five Filipinos are missing and dismissing the idea that they have been taken hostage by the militants. Ignacio revealed that one Filipino individual is currently recovering in a hospital after sustaining a minor gunshot wound during a rescue operation. This individual has been identified as Joey Fasulingan and has received medical treatment in Be’er Sheva. Another Filipino was treated for smoke inhalation and has been accommodated in a hotel in Tel Aviv.
In a particularly unsettling development, a Filipina approached the embassy and informed authorities that she recognized her husband, one of the six unaccounted for Filipinos, in a video circulating on social media. This video shows an individual being held by armed men, strongly suggesting that he may have been taken to Gaza. The embassy promptly relayed this information to Israeli military authorities, emphasizing the importance of the report from the concerned wife. Embassy officials have also engaged with community contacts to further investigate this particular case.
As of the latest reports, 20 Filipinos have been successfully rescued and relocated to safer areas or placed in hotels. According to records from Israel’s Population and Immigration Authority, there are an estimated 30,000 Filipinos residing in Israel.
The DFA has confirmed that the Philippine embassy in Amman, Jordan, has received repatriation requests from Filipinos in Gaza. However, the number of Filipinos expressing their intent to be repatriated may fluctuate, as some individuals remain undecided. As of the current date, 25 individuals have indicated their desire to leave Gaza, out of the total 137 Filipinos in the area.
The Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv has issued a strong recommendation to postpone all air travel to Israel indefinitely, or at least until the security situation stabilizes. They have noted that while Ben Gurion International Airport remains operational, individuals with confirmed flights are advised to check with their travel agencies for possible cancellations.
At a public hearing, OWWA’s Ignacio reported that five Filipinos, namely Grace Cabrera, Shelly Morillo, Norilyn Babadilla, Gallenor Pacheco, and Loreta Alacre, have been accounted for. OWWA personnel have gone to great lengths to update Pacheco’s spouse, even arranging for her to travel from Cagayan Valley to get a firsthand update on the situation in Israel.
Hans Cacdac, the officer-in-charge of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), emphasized that the search for the missing five Filipinos is ongoing. He pointed out the difficulties in communication, suggesting that some Filipinos may have deliberately turned off their cell phones. The DMW is actively assisting 25 OFWs and their families by monitoring their situations and ensuring their safety.
OWWA is prepared for repatriation, should the need arise, with a contingency plan already in place. Historically, Filipinos in Israel have opted for evacuation to safer areas rather than immediate repatriation. However, the OWWA stands ready to repatriate those who choose to return home.
In a show of solidarity and concern, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed her distress over the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. She specifically extended her thoughts and prayers to Quezon City’s sister city, Rishon LeZion in Israel, where the situation is dire. She also acknowledged the thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers who could be adversely affected by the unfolding circumstances. Belmonte urged the international community to work towards a swift resolution of the conflict, emphasizing the importance of lasting peace.
In a separate move, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner, Norman Tansingco, announced the designation of special teams to expedite the document processing of Filipinos and their families who will be repatriated from Israel. Tansingco underlined their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of fellow countrymen.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman, George Garcia, disclosed the suspension of overseas voter registration in Israel for the 2025 national and local elections. The decision was made in light of the escalating violence in Israel and Gaza, and the Comelec is expected to formalize this suspension in an upcoming resolution.
