Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla personally welcomed 17 Philippine government officials who safely returned from a study tour in Israel, arriving early Saturday morning at Gate 109, NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

“We’re just relieved that they’re finally home safe. They went through a lot. We were monitoring their situation 24/7 until they were able to return safely,” Remulla said.

The delegation was in Israel from 9 to 20 June, for a study tour focused on sustainability and food security when tensions flared between Israel and Iran.

As conflict broke out, the group was forced to seek shelter in bunkers before eventually being moved to Jordan. From there, they took commercial flights via Dubai en route to Manila.

“There were bombs going off while we were still on the bus,” recalled DILG Region 6 Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, referring to the explosions that occurred just 10 kilometers from their location. He was accompanied by DILG Region 1 Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen Jr.

Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais expressed gratitude to the DILG and the Philippine embassies in Israel, Jordan and Dubai for their assistance.

“On behalf of the LGUs, we are deeply grateful to Sec. Remulla and the ambassadors for personally ensuring our safety. They really took good care of us, and we were in good hands throughout the ordeal,” he said.

Despite the harrowing experience, Lupi, Camarines Sur Mayor Lilian Matamarosa emphasized the importance of their mission.

“What we learned about food security is extremely valuable. We will definitely apply it in our local communities,” she said.

Remulla also assured that the Philippine government is prepared to take further action should the situation worsen.

“If necessary, the government is ready to charter a PAL or Cebu Pacific flight to bring Filipinos home to their families safely,” he said, adding that the DILG, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the President remain ready to respond.