President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday expressed elation as he confirmed the release of a Filipino national who was one of the hostages held by Hamas.
In a social media post, Marcos announced the release of 33-year-old Gelienor "Jimmy" Pacheco on 24 November, weeks after being held captive by Hamas amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
"I am overjoyed to confirm that a Filipino, Mr. Gelienor 'Jimmy' Pacheco, was among the first group of 24 hostages released by Hamas yesterday," said Marcos.
Pacheco, who was taken hostage on 7 October, is currently in the custody of the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
"I salute the work of the Philippine Foreign Service in securing his release, and once again thank the State of Qatar for their invaluable assistance in making Jimmy's release possible," Marcos said.
The President lauded government officials who have been closely coordinating with foreign agencies to secure the safety of Filipinos stranded in the conflict.
Marcos said the government is also working to locate another Filipino national, Noralyn Babadilla, reportedly still held hostage by Hamas.
"We remain concerned over the whereabouts of our other national, Ms. Noralyn Babadilla, and are sparing no effort to locate and secure her if she is indeed found to be one of the hostages," he said.
Marcos said the government would ensure Babadilla's safe release should it confirm she is a Hamas captive.
"We pray for the continued success of the truce and for all hostages to be released," the President added, stressing that the government will continue to monitor the condition of overseas Filipinos amid the situation in Israel.