Senators ask DFA, DMW to prep for repatriation of Filipinos in Israel

Senators on Wednesday called on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Migrant Workers to pre-position necessary resources for the repatriation of overseas Filipinos amid the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas.

Senator Risa Hontiveros strongly urged both agencies to enforce swift implementation of their contingency plan to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino nationals in Israel and Gaza.

"With the escalating threat of violence extending beyond Israel, the DFA and DMW must be able to redirect available resources at their disposal to these conflict areas," she said.

Hontiveros underscored the need for the government to prepare charter flights and buses, hire additional security personnel, and provide adequate medical and immediate humanitarian aid to the overseas Filipinos in Israel.

"Prompt implementation will undoubtedly provide much-needed reassurance to both OFWs and their families back home. But there must be sufficient resources to support any effective contingency plan, should it become necessary," she added.

Following the DFA's confirmed report that about two Filipinos had already been killed amid the conflict, Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. stressed the need for the government to make sure "no one will be left behind and be left accounted for" during these trying times.

"Take all possible actions to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Israel," he said as he emphasized that time is crucial to saving the lives of overseas Filipinos in conflicted areas.

Revilla expressed trust in the government that it will be able to fulfill its mandate to save Filipinos in such difficult times as he recalled what happened in Sudan in the previous months.

Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo has urged Filipinos in Israel to also follow the advice and reminders of the authorities from the Israeli government, including the "standard operating procedures when the warning sirens blare, for their safety."

"Amid this turmoil, I remind our kababayans in Israel to stay alert and focus on important news," he said.

Senator Win Gatchalian said the government should provide shelter for all Filipinos stuck in the conflict and facilitate their immediate repatriation.

"It is imperative that we all work together to assist our fellow countrymen who find themselves in the midst of this war and ensure their safe return to their loved ones," he said.