DMW confirms release of Filipino hostage by Hamas

The Department of Migrant Workers confirmed on Saturday the release of Jimmy Pacheco, an overseas Filipino worker who was among the 24 hostages of Hamas.

DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac reported that they are in touch with Pacheco's family who went to their office.

"Since day one, we have been in touch with Mrs. Pacheco, and she visited the DMW office," Cacdac said.

Cacdac added that when Pacheco's wife saw a church near DMW's office, she told them that his husband would safely arrive in the country which gave her a sign of hope.

"When she visited, she saw a church because there is a church across the DMW's office, and when she looked at it, she told our colleague Assistant Secretary Fe Libay that Jimmy would be able to go home. And true enough we are very thankful of course it takes an effort on the ground by the DFA," Cacdac said.

Meanwhile, Cacdac gave updates on the repatriation of the Filipinos affected in the conflict between Israel and the militant group, Hamas. Cacdac said that there were two Filipinos who arrived last night which brings the total repatriates from West Bank to four.

"Last night, two Filipinos arrived from West Bank so that brings us to a total of four; because there are only a few OFWs in West Bank – only 25 of them," Cacdac said.

The OIC also stressed that repatriation in Lebanon might take a little longer because of the processes they need to undergo.

"It takes a little longer in Lebanon because we are discovering that there are some undocumented. So, it takes a bit of time there because of what they call 'general service' which is like their immigration authority. But rest assured we are working closely with the Philippine Embassy Ambassador Balatbat in Beirut," Cacdac said.

Cacdac added that the 10th batch of repatriates from Israel is expected to arrive this week.