Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 11) — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Wednesday it is ready to evacuate Filipinos once the tension between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas further worsens.
An evacuation plan has already been crafted, according to AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar.“I assure everybody that, with the guidance of our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Armed Forces of the Philippines is prepared to execute evacuation operations should there be any further attack,” he said during a Palace briefing.“What is important for us is the safety of our countrymen in conflict areas,” he added.He said the AFP has identified a temporary safe haven for affected Filipinos, as well as airports where they would consolidate those who will be evacuated.Two aircraft will be used for the evacuation, the AFP official said.In the same briefing, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said 70 Filipinos have already requested repatriation from Gaza.
For those residing in Israel, de Vega said evacuation is not required yet.
Earlier today, the government confirmed that two Filipinos were killed during the attack on Saturday.
