Twenty-one government officials initially stranded in Israel due to the ongoing war between Israel and Iran have been successfully evacuated to Jordan, the Philippine Embassy in Amman announced on Thursday.

In a statement, the embassy said it had “successfully received and facilitated the border crossing” of the stranded officials, who were in Israel to attend an agricultural technology training program.

“This coordinated effort was made possible through close collaboration between the Philippine Embassies in Tel Aviv and Amman. The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv actively coordinated with the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, relevant authorities, and made the necessary representations with the Israeli Government in support of this mission,” the embassy said.

Among those evacuated were three town mayors from Eastern Visayas: Lawaan, Eastern Samar Mayor Athene Mendros; Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais; and Hindang, Leyte Mayor Betty Cabal. The group arrived in Tel Aviv on 10 June and was originally scheduled to return to Manila on 20 June.

Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos personally received the group upon their arrival at the King Hussein Border, where they were provided with assistance and granted transit visas — at no cost to the Philippine government.

Assisting the ambassador in the operation were Second Secretary and Consul Angeli Payumo, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie Andales, Administrative Officer John Danilo Jiao, Jr., and Assistance-To-Nationals Head Charisse Malabanan.

The embassy also confirmed that it expects to receive the first group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) exiting Israel through Jordan in the coming days.

“[They] will also be providing the latter with the necessary assistance in the repatriation process, true to the instructions of the President and the DFA under Bagong Pilipinas,” the embassy said.