PBBM extends condolences to families of Filipinos killed in Israel

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

In an Instagram post on Thursday, Marcos acknowledged that he had experienced 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. The nation is one in grieving with the families of the Filipinos who were killed in the attacks on Israel," Marcos said in a statement.

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

According to the Philippine embassy in Israel, the victims included 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.

Philippines Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo Jr. said on Wednesday that the victims' identities would remain confidential, respecting the families' wishes for privacy during this challenging period.

Officials are confirming a third Filipino's reported death, while three individuals remain unaccounted for.

Israel hosts approximately 30,000 Filipino residents, with around 100 Filipinos living in the Gaza Strip.

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

In response to the weekend attack by Hamas militants that affected towns and villages, Israel's military launched extensive airstrikes on Gaza. This retaliation resulted in a tragic toll, with at least 1,200 individuals losing their lives and 2,700 sustaining injuries.

On Wednesday, President Marcos held a meeting with Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, reaffirming the Philippines' unwavering support for Israel in its struggle against the inhumane terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas.