Two groups of Filipino delegates who were recently stranded in Israel amid renewed conflict between Israel and Iran have safely returned home, following coordinated efforts from various government agencies.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed gratitude to the Philippine Embassy in Israel and other involved agencies for facilitating the safe return of four Department of Agriculture (DA) officials who were on an official study mission to learn more about Israel’s dairy industry.

“We welcome back home the DA delegation led by Assistant Secretary Benjamin Albarece, who went to Israel on mission to study the Israeli dairy industry. We are happy that all of you are safely back with your families and the DA family,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA team included Philippine Carabao Center Executive Director Liza Battad and National Dairy Authority officials Rowena Bautista and Angelica Escanilla. Their week-long study mission, originally scheduled to conclude on 14 June, was extended after escalating tensions in the region led to disrupted flights and closed airspace.

During their extended stay, the group was housed at Hotel Kibbutz Shefayim in central Israel, where they experienced multiple missile and bomb alerts. Despite the difficult conditions, the Philippine Embassy in Israel, with the support of Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), helped secure their safe return to the Philippines.

The study visit formed part of the DA’s broader efforts to improve the local dairy sector by studying international best practices in production and technology.

Meanwhile, 17 other Filipino government officials who were also stranded in Israel returned home on the same day. The delegation, composed of local officials and regional directors, had been in Israel for a study tour on sustainability and food security from 9 to 20 June when hostilities in the region escalated.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla personally welcomed the group upon their arrival at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City early Saturday morning.

“We are just happy that they are safely home. Marami silang pinagdaanan. Talagang 24/7 nakamonitor tayo hanggang sa sila ay makauwi nang ligtas,” Remulla said.

As the conflict broke out, the delegation was forced to seek shelter in bunkers before eventually being transported to Jordan. From there, they boarded commercial flights through Dubai before finally arriving in Manila.

“Habang nasa bus kami may nagbobomba,” recalled DILG Region 6 Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, noting that the explosions occurred just 10 kilometers from their location. He was joined by DILG Region 1 Regional Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen Jr.

Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais expressed his gratitude to the DILG and the Philippine embassies in Israel, Jordan, and Dubai for their efforts to secure the group’s safety.

“On behalf of the LGUs, maraming maraming salamat po Sec. Remulla at sa mga ambassadors sa personal ninyong pagsiguro sa aming kaligtasan. Inalagaan po kami nang husto at naging maayos po ang aming kalagayan,” he said.

Despite the ordeal, Lupi, Camarines Sur Mayor Lilian Matamarosa emphasized the importance of the knowledge they gained during the trip.

“Napakahalaga ng natutunan namin tungkol sa food security. Magagamit namin ito sa aming mga bayan,” she added.

Secretary Remulla reaffirmed the government’s readiness to assist other Filipinos in the region if necessary.

“Kung kinakailangan na magcharter tayo ng isang PAL o Cebu Pacific flight, gagawin ng ating gobyerno para ligtas silang makauwi sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya,” he said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the swift coordination of agencies to help Filipinos who wish to return from affected areas, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the welfare of Filipinos abroad.