21 PH gov’t officials stranded in Israel back in Manila

Metro Manila, Philippines - The 21 Filipino government officials who were stranded in Israel amid its air war with Iran were safely repatriated back to the Philippines on Saturday morning, June 21.

From the kibbutz where they stayed in Israel, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said all 21 officials took a four-hour bus ride to Amman, Jordan before flying to Dubai and then taking an overnight commercial flight to Manila.

“Wala pong nasaktan (Nobody was hurt), thank God,” he said at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Saturday.

Remulla said authorities are also ensuring psychiatric and emotional support are provided to the stranded group which include nine mayors, four vice mayors, two party-list representatives, two regional directors, and four agriculture officials.

The officials were guests of the Israeli government for a study visit and training program set from June 10 that was supposed to end on June 20.

The government is on voluntary repatriation mode for Filipinos in Israel and Iran as the conflict escalates between the two states. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs raised Alert Level 3 over Israel and Iran as Filipinos in both Middle Eastern countries were “enjoined to return” to the Philippines, while travel to these nations is “highly discouraged.”

At least eight Filipinos in Israel have been injured, including one in critical condition. Over 170 Filipinos in Israel have requested repatriation.