Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 11) — The Philippine Embassy in Jordan is working with its counterparts in Israel and Egypt to identify possible exit routes from Gaza, as the number of Filipinos seeking repatriation from the Palestinian enclave continues to rise.
In a message to CNN Philippines on Wednesday noon, Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos said 70 Filipinos in Gaza and 20 Palestinian family members are requesting repatriation.
Santos told reporters earlier that those asking to return to the country “feel their safety is at risk” amid ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and the militant group Hamas.
RELATED STORIES:
2 Filipinos killed in Israel-Hamas war, 1 death still for confirmation – embassy
‘We have no water’: Gaza faces deeper humanitarian crisis as Israel tightens its hold
“The three embassies are actually coordinating to ensure the safety of our nationals out of Gaza,” Santos said. “Since the start of this conflict, we have remained in touch to map out the preparations that we need for the safe passage of our nationals.”
In a Malacañang briefing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said included in those requesting repatriation are Filipino women married to Palestinian nationals.
When asked if the Philippines will allow Palestinian nationals to enter the country, De Vega said an issue that might be raised on whether they will be permitted to leave Gaza by local officials or border authorities.
He also said Palestinians are “restricted nationals” in the Philippines, meaning they need to secure a visa, but they are also allowed to enter the country as spouses of Filipino nationals.
“I cannot answer that now, but we are not preventing them from flying home to the Philippines with their wives if we are able to extract them,” De Vega said.
Santos said the repatriation plan for Filipinos is to go through the exit point beside Israel, while the alternative is through Egypt. He added clearance is also needed from both Israeli and Egyptian authorities to pass through the countries.
He said a “cessation of hostilities” is among the factors needed to guarantee the safe passage of civilians, including Filipino nationals and other foreigners.
“We just cannot leave a border with clashes, continuing attacks, we are just waiting for the proper time,” the ambassador added. “But, of course, the best time is really as soon as possible.”
Santos said 137 Filipinos in Gaza are safe and have stocked up on food and water, adding the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, which has jurisdiction over Filipinos in the Palestinian enclave, has not received reports of injury or death so far.
RELATED: Embassy recommends Alert Level 3 in Gaza – DFA
He advised them to follow public advisories — especially staying indoors — and contact the embassy if there are significant developments in their area through the following hotlines:
+962-7-7907-7775
7-7907-7778
