Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 1) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said two Filipinos will be among the first group of foreigners allowed to exit Gaza.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed the news on Wednesday, adding that both Filipinos are working with international humanitarian organization Doctors without Borders.
“(They) are among the foreign nationals allowed to exit Gaza and cross to Egypt,” de Vega said in a message.
He also said the crossing “should happen any time now.”
In his message, de Vega said those allowed to cross will proceed to Egypt where they will be processed by Egyptian authorities for entry.
He added that the Philippines continues to coordinate with Israel to prioritize Filipinos among the nationalities to be first allowed exit.
Meanwhile, De Vega said all 136 Filipino nationals in Gaza are accounted for after the DFA initially lost contact with them last Friday.
“And the six who originally returned to Gaza City have left and are now actually at Rafah Crossing just waiting to cross when signal is given,” he said.
Alert Level 4 was raised by the DFA in Gaza on Oct. 15, meaning the repatriation of Filipinos is now mandatory.
