OFWs back from war zones

On 7 October, the most unexpected event of the year happened. The militant group Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in the death of four Filipinos. Two other Filipinos were among the 250 hostages taken by the terrorists.

To date, about 413 Filipinos have been repatriated from Israel, 111 from Lebanon, 102 from Gaza, and four from the West Bank. All are happy to be back home in the Philippines, coming from the war zones of the Israel-Hamas war that has spilled into Lebanon.

The repatriates traumatized by the war thanked the Israeli and Philippine governments for their efforts to return them to the Philippines, allowing them to reunite with their loved ones.

Elvira Issing, one of the repatriates from Israel, said that Israel is no longer a "holy land." It has become a "holy hell" due to the unexpected attack by the militant group Hamas and the violence that she witnessed.

Along with Elvira is Jason Teves, who shared his traumatizing experience when an  Arab knocked on their door and all hell broke loose. Thankful for his safe return, Jason said that he would seek employment in the Philippines to be closer to his family, emphasizing that his big salary in Israel was nothing if he was gone.

Jimmy Pacheco shared his joy at being reunited with his family after being held captive by Hamas for 49 days. He witnessed his patient being gunned down by Hamas. He was also hit by a bullet in one of his legs.