Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 8) — Lawmakers are calling for swift assistance and repatriation for Filipinos in Israel who are caught in the ongoing conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
In separate statements, members of Congress stressed the importance of Filipinos’ safety in the conflict-torn Middle Eastern country.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri condemned the violence against innocent civilians as he sought the immediate release of hostages.
“We deplore the taking of hostages and seek their immediate release,” he said. “Neither freedom nor justice can truly be won through this kind of violence.”
Senators urged the Department of Migrant Workers, Department of Foreign Affairs, and other government agencies to ensure the security of overseas Filipino workers and provide their safe passage if necessary.
They also appealed for the full utilization of the Assistance to Nationals Fund to respond to urgent requests for assistance from distressed Filipinos.
Senator Grace Poe said Filipinos in Israel who wish to return home while the borders are still open must be repatriated.
“As we hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, we have to act with dispatch so that no Filipinos will be included in the count of casualties,” Poe said.
Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo said Philippine authorities are still finding out if there are Filipinos among 300 people reported killed and over 1,500 injured.
Senator Win Gatchalian said it is “imperative” for authorities to work together and assist the estimated 30,000 overseas Filipino workers in Israel.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez advised all Filipinos in Israel to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety amid the turbulent times.
“To our Filipino brothers and sisters living or working in Israel, my thoughts are with you. The Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are now working overtime to ensure your safety and well-being,” he said.
Romualdez urged all parties, especially the leaders of Hamas, to pave the way toward a peaceful resolution.
“The history of this region has seen enough bloodshed; sustainable peace is the only way forward,” he said.
Hamas fired rockets from Gaza and sent gunmen into Israeli territory, prompting Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare that the country is “at war.”
The Saturday attack which took place during Simchat Torah, a peaceful celebration of the Jewish people, has left hundreds dead on both sides.
