The Israeli government, through its envoy in the Philippines, Ambassador Ilan Fluss—assured the families of four Filipinos who earlier died in the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Sunni-Islamic terror group Hamas—that they will be receiving enough financial aid from the Israeli government distinguishing them as victims of terrorism.
"As long as they are documented and in Israel, then the Israeli government will recognize them as victims of terrorism. For that, they will be receiving financial assistance, their parents, spouses, their children, accordingly," Fluss told members of the media during the forum "Coming Together: An Afternoon of Unity, Prayer, and Solidarity with Israel" in Makati City on Thursday, organized by the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
"We have clear legislation in helping Israelis in this case, as well as Filipinos and other foreign nationals. This will come in financial assistance on a monthly basis, depending on if they need assistance in education, health care, or even a grant for housing, as clearly stated in Israeli law. The aid will be coursed through either the Philippine government or to the families of the victims," he added.
Photos of four Filipino caregivers who perished during the war were displayed during the forum, namely Ilongga OFW Grace Prodigo Cabrera, who chose to be taken away by Hamas to save the 80-year-old Israeli woman under her care; Angelyn Peralta Aguirre, a 33-year-old, who was killed along with her patient in Israel; Loreta Alacre who was shot to death by Hamas while she was on her way back to her employer, and Paul Vincent Castelvi, who was also killed during the onset of the war.
Meanwhile, with the report that the two missing Filipinos are now in the hands of Hamas as hostages, Ambassador Fluss said they are leaving the responsibility to the Philippine government to provide updates.
"There are formal channels of communication between the two governments. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquartered in Jerusalem is constantly coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, while we are coordinating here with the DFA," he said.
The DFA on Thursday said they are verifying reports that the two missing Filipinos in Israel were taken hostage by Hamas with the Israeli Embassy in the Philippines.
According to the report of the Israeli government and international multimedia news provider Reuters, two Filipinos who were previously tagged as missing were among the estimated 220 hostages held by Hamas.
Fluss maintained that the Israeli government "is dedicated to dismantling and destroying all the infrastructure made by Hamas forces in Gaza, bringing back the abducted Israeli and foreign nationals held in Gaza," but emphasizing that "they are not planning to occupy Gaza."
For the part of the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, its president Yoray Ofek, stressed that they stand behind Israel and aired utmost support to the Israeli government.