PH officials stranded in Israel evacuated to Jordan

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippine Embassy in Jordan formally received the 21 Philippine officials who were stranded in Israel amid escalating tensions with Iran, the consulate announced Wednesday, June 18.

According to the news release, Ambassador Wilfredo Santos and embassy officers facilitated the border crossing through close collaboration between the Philippine embassies of Tel Aviv and Amman.

The embassy made formal representations to Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates and the Jordanian Border Security to secure entry clearance for the Philippine officials.

“The group was met by Ambassador Santos at the King Hussein Border, where they were provided with the necessary assistance and issued transit visas — all at no cost to the Philippine government,” the embassy said.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega previously said the group included nine mayors, four vice mayors, two party-list representatives, two regional directors, and four agriculture officials.

De Vega said they were guests of the Israeli government for a study visit and training program.

He said they are set to arrive in the Philippines on Saturday.

The embassy is also expecting to receive the first group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) leaving Israel through Jordan “in the next few days.”

The Philippine Embassy in Israel said that as of Tuesday, 26 OFWs were being processed for their repatriation request. Around 150 initially requested to return to the country.

Israel mounted a surprise attack on Iran on June 12. The two countries have continued to trade deadly air strikes.