Two overseas Filipino workers who were repatriated from Israel spoke on Thursday about their traumatic experiences during Israel’s war with the militant group Hamas.

Elmer de Leon, of Isabela, who worked as a caregiver for 15 years, said the daily bombing prompted him to return to the Philippines.

“Constant bombings and running. In the place I stayed, Israeli submarines and warships docked there, including the airport. That is why Hamas always launched attacks in our place,” De Leon recounted.

He said he brought his elderly patient to the bomb shelter each time the sirens wailed.

“Every time the sirens wailed, I pulled my elderly employer and placed him in a wheelchair, then took him to the bomb shelter. We decided to repatriate because we only have one life, and I want to be with my family,” he said.

Beberly Camara, 34, of Carmona, Cavite, was a hotel worker for one year and two months. She said she always cried whenever there were bombings out of fear that her two children would be left without a mother.

“I never expected to experience that in Israel because I left the country with dreams for my family, for my children, to have a better life. A mother doesn’t anticipate being far from her family, suddenly running and climbing through windows, not knowing where we’re headed with my five companions. I want to be with my family because they are my strength,” Beberly said.