Seventeen Filipino local government officials, including mayors, are stranded in Israel due to closed airspace and airports following Iran’s retaliatory air raids, confirmed Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss on Tuesday. The officials are part of a Philippine delegation on a study visit to exchange best practices in dairy farming.
Fluss stated that the 17 officials, along with five other Filipino visitors, are in Israel under the sponsorship of the Israeli government. “All of them are being taken care of by the Israeli government and we are also looking for ways to send them back to the Philippines — this is our responsibility and our commitment,” he told reporters.
He assured that the stranded individuals are being provided with food, lodging, and any necessary support. “They are doing fine, of course it’s not a pleasant situation,” Fluss added, emphasizing that Israel is working to facilitate their return as soon as possible.
“You have to understand that we are under fire, airspace in Israel is closed. We are trying to facilitate a way out because there are other countries in the region; it needs all kinds of special permits by other governments,” Fluss explained. He expressed hope that an announcement regarding their return could be made soon.
Among those stranded are Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais; Lawaan, Eastern Samar Mayor Athene Mendros; and Hindang, Leyte Mayor Betty Cabal. In a message to Tacloban-based journalists, Balais reported that they have been sheltering in a bomb-proof bunker near their hotel. “In the past three days, we have been exploring where to exit, but all borders and airspace are closed. Our plan is to exit via Jordan, but it is very chaotic there,” Balais said.
The officials were scheduled to conclude their trip on June 20.