Freed Hamas captive Jimmy Pacheco shares his ordeal

Filipino freed captive, Gelienor "Jimmy" Pacheco, a caretaker, shared his traumatic experience on Tuesday during his arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

In a press briefing, Pacheco said that the Hamas militants shot his patient three times while he was hit on his thighs.

"On 7 October, at 6:30 in the morning, Israel issued an alert about the incoming rockets. I thought it was not a serious thing to be afraid of because the launching of rockets is quite normal in Israel, especially near the border where I am working, just one and a half kilometers away. But my patient and I went to the bomb shelter. "

"Around 7:30 a.m., I peeked outside the window, and saw that terrorists had already entered. I told my told my patient that someone has entered. My patient advised me to lock all the doors and prioritize my safety because he is already old, but I chose to stay with him until his last breath. Then my patient was killed while sleeping. He was shot three times; two of the shots hit my leg," Pacheco related.

When asked if Pacheco has plans to go back to Israel, he responded that he is willing to return to secure his children's future.

"I will return to Israel to secure the future of my children. Despite my past, my goal is to provide for my children's needs because that is what parents do. It is our responsibility to take good care of our children. I also don't want my children to experience what I have been through since childhood. Even the government pledged that they will be giving me a lifetime pension, I don't want to rely on that because having a job is still better. If that is what they promised, then it's better," Pacheco said.

He added that it is his first Christmas celebration since he became an Overseas Filipino Worker in 2018.

"This will be the first Christmas we'll spend together since I started working abroad," Pacheco added.

Meanwhile, Clarice Pacheco, Jimmy's wife, said that she lost hope after not receiving any updates for 49 days about her husband.

"During that time, there came a point when I lost hope because I thought he was gone. For 49 days, I could not reach him, and we had no news at all. Our children kept asking where their father was. It was painful for me to see them hurt. Our children knew what was happening, and I couldn't give them any answers," Clarice said.

The Department of Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge, Hans Leo Cacdac, stressed that the government will give its full assistance to Jimmy and his family.

"Since day one, the president directed us to act in unison, adopting a whole-of-government approach to help Jimmy and his family. Initial assistance has been provided, but upon his return, we will further maximize our resources for livelihood, long-term assistance, and employment for Jimmy and his family. We will assist Jimmy and Clarice in supporting their three children's education because we know that securing a bright future for them is essential," Cacdac said.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, pledged that the Israeli government will be providing financial assistance to Jimmy's family stating that the freed captive is entitled to the Israeli Government's support.

"Firstly, I'd like to express my immense happiness, both as Ilan Fluss and as the ambassador of the state of Israel, for Jimmy's safe return home to his family. Not everyone has been as fortunate, so having Jimmy back with us is truly a reason to rejoice. Jimmy was held captive by the terrorist organization Hamas, making him a victim of terror. Like any other Israeli affected by such violence, Jimmy is entitled to receive comprehensive support. This includes monthly assistance from the Israeli government for his family's needs, including special requirements, education, healthcare, and more," Fluss stated.

Pacheco was welcomed by DMW OIC Hans Leo Cacdac, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Arnell Ignacio, and Department of Foreign Affairs officials.

For now, Pacheco will be spending his time with his family as he will come back to Israel in February 2024, where three employers are waiting for him due to his excellent work record.