Marcos condemns attacks on civilian populations
BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR and ASHZEL HACHERO
PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday ordered all concerned government agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos in Israel as he condemned attacks launched on Saturday by the militant group Hamas on communities and military camps bordering Gaza Strip and in Israeli cities and towns.
The attacks, and Israel’s response, have so far left hundreds dead and thousands wounded.
At least 30,000 Filipinos are living and working in Israel, with the majority concentrated in Jerusalem, Haifa and Tel Aviv. There are 106 Filipinos in the Gaza Strip, including those married to Palestinian nationals.
“The Philippines condemns the attacks, especially against civilian populations,” the President said.
“The Philippines conveys its deepest sympathies and condolences to those who have lost family members and loved ones in recent attacks,” he also said.
The order to locate, account and secure Filipinos and their families in Israel was given to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to locate, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
“The DMW has opened a hotline and several Viber and WhatsApp hotline numbers that will accept calls and queries from our OFWs and the Filipino community who are in need of government assistance,” PCO said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not received a report about any Filipino casualty.
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said that was the report of the Philippine Embassy in Israel on the condition of the Filipinos there.
He said most of the Filipinos is Israel are household workers and caregivers, working in Tel Aviv, and Haifa.
“That’s around 70 kilometers away from Gaza, so that’s far from the area of attack,” he said.
De Vega said the embassy is nevertheless closely monitoring the situation because of rocket attacks on Israeli cities and towns.
De Vega advised Filipinos in Israel to follow the instructions of local authorities and avoid going out.
He also said every building in Israel has bomb shelters as part of the country’s civil defense plans. The shelters are open to all residents, Israelis or foreigners.
De Vega also said the DFA has yet to receive an official report about Filipinos supposedly kidnapped by Hamas fighters and taken to the Gaza Strip.
A website — Visegrad 24 — on Saturday said several Thai and Filipino workers near the Israel-Gaza border were captured by Hamas fighters.
De Vega said the 300 Filipino workers near the area, who are “agricultural workers,” have all been accounted for.
Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, in an online briefing, said, “We don’t have verified information or verification regarding Filipino nationals at this time.”
“Let me say, we have close to 30,000 Filipino OFWs and we treat them like Israeli nationals. We protect them like we protect every Israeli citizen,” he also said.
“The situation has not yet stabilized. We don’t have information yet on the name and identities of persons killed, injured or kidnapped. The fighting is still continuing,” he added.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the DFA is closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos not only in Israel but in the entire Middle East.
“The Philippines will continue to look after the welfare of Filipinos who are affected by the current situation,” Manalo said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
EMBASSY CLOSED
The Philippine Embassy in Israel was closed beginning yesterday “until further notice” because of the security situation.
The embassy said Filipinos who are in need of emergency assistance should contact their emergency number at +972544661188.
On Saturday, hours after Hamas started firing rockets toward Israel and attacking border communities, the embassy advised Filipinos to strictly adhere to safety precautions by Israel’s Home Front Command.
The embassy named particular areas such as Western and Central Negev, Western Lascish, Gaza Envelope, Laschish Area, Shfelat Yehuda, HaShfela Area, Yarkon, Dan, Sharon and Jerusalem areas.
DMW spokesperson Tony Nebrida said the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) which is housed in the embassy, is also closed but monitoring of the OFWs in Israel continues, as well as other services they offer.
The DMW has said it has set up a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk for OFWs in Israel and their families.
The 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk may be reached via Hotline +63 2 1348 or thru WhatsApp and Viber numbers +63 9083268344 | +63 9271478186 | +63 9205171059.
CALL FOR SUPPORT
The Israeli Embassy in Manila asked friends and allies to express “strong support.”
In a statement, the embassy said the world should condemn Hamas and its main supporter, Iran, for the “massive terror attacks.”
“In this moment of anguish, we call on our friends and allies to express strong support for Israel and to condemn these terror attacks by Hamas. We expect the international community and our close allies to condemn terror and express support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens,” the embassy said.
“As we navigate these challenging times, a resounding message reverberates: Stand with Israel, condemn the attacks by Hamas, and reject terrorism unequivocally,” it added.
In the same statement, the embassy also said it fully appreciates the “kind messages and support that Israel is receiving from our Filipino friends.”
The Philippines and Israel enjoy close relations, having formally established diplomatic ties in 1957, and has since forged 17 agreements in the fields of air services, agriculture, tourism, telecommunications, logistics, and defense.
LOSS
Speaker Martin Romualdez joined voices from around the world in strongly condemning “the heartbreaking attacks against innocent civilians in Israel.”
“The devastation and loss suffered by families during such significant moments of reverence are beyond words,” he said.
“It is a reminder that the path of violence only deepens wounds and rifts. I urge all involved parties, especially the militant rulers of Hamas, to pave a way toward a peaceful resolution. The history of this region has seen enough bloodshed; sustainable peace is the only way forward,” he added.
The Speaker assured OFWs in Israel that the DFA, the DMW, and OWWA “are now working overtime to ensure your safety and well-being.”
“Please remain vigilant and prioritize your safety during these turbulent times. Your welfare is a matter of paramount importance to us,” Romualdez said.
Rep. Marissa Magsino (PL, OFW) urged Filipinos in Israel to maintain constant communication with the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office, take precautionary measures, and adhere to instructions provided by the Israeli Homefront Command.
She said the DMW and OWWA have established a 24/7 Task Force Israel Desk dedicated to assisting OFWs in Israel and their families.
“We want to reassure all OFWs and their families that we are here for you during this challenging time. Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities, and we will continue to work tirelessly to offer the necessary assistance to you and your families,” she said. — With Gerard Naval and Wendell Vigilia
