Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 18) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said there is no definite date yet on the opening of the Rafah border between Gaza and Egypt to allow foreign nationals to cross amid the Israel-Hamas war.
The DFA on Wednesday said Cairo is ready and they are just waiting for the Israeli side to open the border.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said Filipinos there are safe as the attacks are not happening at the border. However, he admitted that supplies for overseas Filipinos in the area are limited.They [Israel] don’t give assurances,” de Vega disclosed. “They always say, ‘be prepared, any moment’s notice, then suddenly it will be open.’ That’s why I say any day now. But we are ready. The Filipinos are there. They’re ready.” Meanwhile, the DFA said it is possible the three missing Filipinos have been abducted. One has an Israeli passport while the other two are overseas Filipino workers.
“There’s always the possibility — we don’t have confirmation — there’s always the possibility that the three of them have been abducted,” de Vega said.
He also said about 70 to 80 Filipinos in Gaza have signified their intent to be repatriated.
