Marcos makes ‘hardest’ phone calls as President

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended his condolences to the families of the two Filipinos who lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Marcos acknowledged he had one of the most challenging moments of his leadership when he had to call the families personally.

"Last night, I made two of the most difficult phone calls I've had to make as President," Marcos said. "The nation is one in grieving with the families of the Filipinos killed in the attacks on Israel."

"We will provide the utmost support to the families they were taken [away] from. This tragedy will not deter our spirit. We will continue to stand for peace," the President said.

Marcos added that the Philippine government would provide all the necessary assistance to those killed, including a decent burial once the Israel-Hamas situation subsides.

"Tell us what you need. The government is here to assist you. I just want to talk to you so you know that we are concerned and sympathetic towards you. It's not just me; my entire family and all of the Philippines are extending their condolences to you," Marcos told the families of the victims.

Marcos has instructed the Philippine Ambassador to Israel, Pedro Laylo Jr., to closely coordinate with the families of the two victims and provide them with all the necessary assistance.

According to the Philippine Embassy in Israel, the victims were a 42-year-old man from Pampanga, who was among those detained by Hamas militants, and a 33-year-old female caregiver from Pangasinan, who tragically lost her life in a shooting incident alongside her employer.

Laylo said on Wednesday that the victims' identities would remain confidential in respect of the families' wishes for privacy during this challenging period.

Members of the families of nurse Angelyn Aguirre and Paul Vincent Castelvi later confirmed them to be the two Filipinos who were killed in Israel.

Officials are still confirming the fate of a third Filipino believed to have died in the attack, and three others who have remained unaccounted for. Israel hosts approximately 30,000 Filipinos, while over 100 Filipinos live in the Gaza Strip.

The embassy clarified that it does not advocate the mandatory repatriation of Filipinos, pointing out that the casualties occurred during the attack. The Department of Migrant Workers has advised Filipinos in Israel to remain at their current locations.

In response to the weekend attack by Hamas militants that affected Israeli towns and villages, Israel's military launched extensive airstrikes on Gaza. Israeli troops and armored vehicles have been prepositioned for an expected ground attack on Gaza.

Marcos said the Philippines is communicating with Israel to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the country. He said those who want to come home would be repatriated when Israel opens "humanitarian corridors."