AT WAR. Israeli Defense Forces troops are present on Israel's northern front with Lebanon on the fourth day of Operation Swords of Iron on Oct. 10, 2023. The Israel Ministry of Defense announced a massive call-up of reservists following the infiltration of Hamas from the Gaza Strip at different points of Israel. (Photo by Eytan Schweber/Tazpit Press Service)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday deplored the deaths of two Filipino nationals amid the escalating conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
“My heart is heavy upon hearing confirmation of the deaths of two Filipinos in Israel. The Philippines condemns these killings and stands firmly against the ongoing terror and violence,” Marcos said in a statement.
Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the President has pledged continued support for Filipinos affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
“The President also emphasized that the Philippine government will not cease sending support to affected overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino community affected by the ongoing conflict between the Israeli forces and Hamas,” she said.
On his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed on Wednesday the killing of two Filipino nationals in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Manalo, however, has yet to release more details, including where the Filipinos were killed.
Marcos said the Philippine government would remain resolute in the pursuit of lasting peace, in line with the United Nations resolutions and international laws.
There are more than 30,000 Filipinos in Israel and 137 in Gaza, according to the latest DFA data.
In its latest bulletin on Oct. 11, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv said at least six Filipinos remain unaccounted for in Israel.
The DFA on Tuesday said about 38 Filipinos in Gaza are seeking repatriation.
Marcos earlier instructed the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to locate and account for all OFWs and their families in Israel.
He had also instructed all agencies involved in protecting the welfare of the OFWs and the Filipino community to work closely with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Migrant Workers Office in Israel to ensure their safety.
Gov't assistance assured
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured all possible assistance would be given to the families of the two Filipino victims.
He has directed the DSWD Operations Group, headed by Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez, to locate the families.
“Can we get in touch with DMW (Department of Migrant Workers). Find the families here. Send our teams of grief counselors. Then let's extend all possible financial assistance,” Gatchalian told Romualdez.
Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program is available.
“As the department helps individuals through these difficult times, psychosocial counseling will work hand in hand with financial support to ensure a comprehensive approach,” Lopez said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez also mourned the deaths of two Filipinos, condemning the “acts of terrorism and violence” against civilians.
Romualdez also appealed to all combatants from both sides of the war to exercise "utmost restraint and ensure the safety of civilians".
"The recent loss of two Filipino nationals serves as a somber reminder of the heavy toll conflict takes on innocent lives. I join the nation in our unequivocal condemnation of all acts of terrorism and violence, especially as a result of the actions of Hamas against Israel," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Romualdez said it is crucial to uphold the tenets of international law and the relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolutions.
"Above all, the well-being of our kababayans in both Israel and Palestine remains our top priority, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to their safety and in providing all necessary assistance," he said. (with a report from Filane Mikee Cervantes/Zaldy De Layola/PNA)
