Pacheco finally home for Christmas

Freed Hamas captive Jimmy Pacheco will celebrate his first Christmas with his family in the Philippines since leaving in 2018 to work in Israel.

For Pacheco, who arrived yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the long overdue vacation is tinged with bitter memories of his patient who was killed and his barely surviving the terror attack on Israel last 7 October.

Pacheco recounted in a press briefing at the NAIA, where he was welcomed by his family, that his ward told him to save himself but that he chose to stay with him inside a bomb shelter.

"Around 7:30 a.m., I peeked out the window and I saw the terrorists had already entered. My patient told me to lock all the doors and prioritize my safety because he was already old," he said.

"But I chose to stay with him until his last breath. He was shot three times while sleeping, with two of the shots hitting my leg," he added.

Asked if he would return to Israel, he said he would do so because he has to secure the future of his children "because that's what parents do."

Clarice, Pacheco's wife, said  she had lost hope after not receiving updates for 49 days on her husband whom Hamas took back to Gaza from Israel as a hostage.

"During that time, there came a point when I lost hope because I thought he was gone. 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 answers," Clarice said.

Department of Migrant Workers Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac said the government will provide full assistance to the Pacheco 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 also welcomed Pacheco at the airport and assured him of the Israeli government's support.

"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," Fluss said.

The envoy said that like any other Israeli affected by the attack, Pacheco is entitled to receive comprehensive support from his government, including monthly assistance.