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Marcos Admin Initiates Repatriation Of Filipinos Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
Photo courtesy from TIMES OF GAZA
The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is actively pursuing diplomatic avenues in an effort to ensure the safety and repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino community caught in the crossfire of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega provided insights during a recent Malacañang briefing. He said that President Marcos's immediate concern is repatriation while acknowledging the current challenges in accessing conflict zones like Gaza.
De Vega also said that the Philippines cannot take action until "humanitarian corridors" become available. However, he disclosed that the administration is leaving no stone unturned, utilizing diplomatic initiatives to secure the safety and immediate return of affected Filipinos.
He noted, "This is a diplomatic initiative. We are in touch with other governments in the region. Of course, the United Nations will hold a session today, the United Nations Security Council, and we expect them to call for a humanitarian corridor to allow civilians to leave."
The Philippine Embassy in Israel, in collaboration with other foreign missions, is working to safeguard and assist Filipinos in the region, including facilitating the repatriation of those affected by the conflict.
De Vega also pointed out that while some Filipinos in Israel may not have been direct victims of the conflict, they face economic hardships due to job losses or challenging circumstances worsened by the ongoing hostilities.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have pledged to cover the expenses for Filipinos who opt to return home amid the conflict in the region.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega provided insights during a recent Malacañang briefing. He said that President Marcos's immediate concern is repatriation while acknowledging the current challenges in accessing conflict zones like Gaza.
De Vega also said that the Philippines cannot take action until "humanitarian corridors" become available. However, he disclosed that the administration is leaving no stone unturned, utilizing diplomatic initiatives to secure the safety and immediate return of affected Filipinos.
He noted, "This is a diplomatic initiative. We are in touch with other governments in the region. Of course, the United Nations will hold a session today, the United Nations Security Council, and we expect them to call for a humanitarian corridor to allow civilians to leave."
The Philippine Embassy in Israel, in collaboration with other foreign missions, is working to safeguard and assist Filipinos in the region, including facilitating the repatriation of those affected by the conflict.
De Vega also pointed out that while some Filipinos in Israel may not have been direct victims of the conflict, they face economic hardships due to job losses or challenging circumstances worsened by the ongoing hostilities.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have pledged to cover the expenses for Filipinos who opt to return home amid the conflict in the region.
Oct 13, 2023
