THERE have been breakouts of hostilities all over the world, whether coup d’états or invasions, which the Philippines is not a party to, but we are always involved because of the presence of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) almost in every country on the planet.
Filipinos again face this problem of whether to stay or leave Israel, Jordan, and adjacent places with the start of hostilities last Saturday when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on southern Israel.
Wire stories and television coverage provided details of Hamas fighters firing thousands of rockets or missiles – some put the figure at 2,500 projectiles while others said it was double the number. This was followed by dozens of fighters filtering through Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip following the destruction of iron fences. It was an unprecedented surprise early morning attack during a major Jewish holiday, catching the Israeli army visibly unprepared.
‘It is sad that Filipinos are present in both geographical sides of the conflict, and thus we might suffer casualties. It is reassuring that the government … is doing its best to assist our nationals and prepare for their repatriation if the need arises.’
Israel affirmed it is now at war with Hamas and immediately launched airstrikes in Gaza, promising revenge of unprecedented proportions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed “mighty revenge” against Hamas, even as he counted more than 180 Israeli killed and several soldiers and civilians captured, with hundreds more injured. In Gaza, Israel’s counter-offensive also resulted in scores of residents killed and injured.
As the hostilities continued, various offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Israel and Jordan started their quick-response activities to ensure that Filipinos are out of harm’s way, even as fighting between Hamas militants and Israeli security forces intensified.
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv received “unconfirmed reports” that some Filipinos working near the Israeli border were captured on Saturday morning. The embassy is verifying these reports, although with the fighting disrupting communication facilities, such verification might be delayed.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said contingency plans are in place and that an emergency meeting at the embassy was already convened to ensure the safety of the estimated 30,000 Filipinos in Israel. In Jordan, the embassy advised 137 Filipinos living and working in the Gaza Strip to “stay vigilant and cautious at all times.”
It is sad that Filipinos are present in both geographical sides of the conflict, and thus we might suffer casualties. It is reassuring that the government through the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is doing its best to assist our nationals and prepare for their repatriation if the need arises.
The best our diplomatic personnel could do at the moment is be available to help Filipinos there at all times. We know that these risks and perils of the job come with the official policy of exporting labor to prop up the economy, so that when emergencies such as this happen, we expect the government to be proactive in helping our workers abroad.
