DFA confirms third Filipino fatality in Israel-Hamas war

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday confirmed the death of another Filipinos in the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian Sunni-Islamic extremist Hamas.

"I regret to inform you that yes, it is confirmed. There is a third Filipino casualty," DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Eduardo de Vega said in a briefing.

Without divulging the third Filipino casualty in the Israel-Hamas armed conflict, De Vega said she was a 49-year-old Filipina from Negros Occidental.

"We joined the nation in extending our deepest sympathies to the relatives of the latest casualties, who was also a caregiver," he said.

De Vega said the Philippine Embassy in Israel had already informed the family of the third casualty, especially her sisters who are currently in Kuwait.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had also been notified about the third Filipino casualty.

There are almost 30,000 Filipinos who consider Israel their second home. Most of them work in the caregiving, hospitality, engineering, and healthcare industries.

De Vega said the number of missing Filipinos in Israel stands at three. He, however, expressed hope that it would lessen in the coming days.

"It does not mean that there is no hope. There are a lot [of] missing [Filipinos] a week ago. It has become less. Possibly, these three will show up," he said.

Repatriation

Meanwhile, the DFA official said there are now 22 Filipinos who were seeking repatriation from Israel.

De Vega also reported that at least 92 Filipinos were requesting repatriation in the Gaza Strip – the epicenter of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Citing data from the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, he noted that there are now only 132 Filipinos in Gaza.

De Vega said the Philippine government, through its embassies is working on the repatriation of those who have expressed intent to leave the war-torn Israel.