Israel-Iran missile strikes continue as civilian casualties mount on both sides.
About 150 Filipinos in Israel have expressed their desire to return home amidst continuous air strikes from Iran as the conflict escalates between the two countries.
However, only 26 have confirmed their intention to be repatriated and are now being processed by the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv.
According to official records, there are over 30,700 Filipinos in Israel who are mostly caregivers while the rest work in hospitals, hotels and restaurants.
Reports from Tel Aviv disclosed that 49 Filipinos lost their homes due to Iran’s missile attacks and are currently being housed in temporary shelters. This number includes an infant who was recently born on June 10.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola visited 18 Filipinos who were evacuated from the hotel where they work after it got hit by an Iranian missile.
“They are all safe because they managed to get inside a bomb shelter on time,” the embassy posted on Facebook.
“Since some of them experienced trauma due to what they have gone through, they will undergo psychosocial counseling program in the coming days,” it added.
The embassy said that an unidentified Filipina, who was seriously injured from the missile strike on June 15, remains “in critical condition with severe and life-threatening injuries, and needs to undergo major surgery.”
She is receiving “top-notch medical care” at the Shamir Medical Center, one of Israel’s most advanced hospitals, the embassy said.
Another Filipino is confined at Kaplan Medical Center with moderate to serious injuries while five others have been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries.
The embassy said 63 Filipinos have received various forms of assistance, from provision of temporary shelter to relief packages containing food, clothes and hygiene products.
Since the outbreak of hostilities, all embassy personnel have been staying at the embassy 24/7 to respond to their needs.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Iran advised Filipinos to be on alert and prepare an emergency “go bag” as Israel continues to retaliatr against Iran’s missile attacks.
There are at least 1,180 Filipinos in Iran, most of whom are married to Iranians. The embassy advised them to safeguard documents such as their passports.
The embassy urged Filipinos to enlist in their registry so they can be contacted in emergencies and while monitoring local news and government announcements.
“Avoid sharing unconfirmed reports, especially those of sensitive nature about government or military activity. Be vigilant and mindful of surroundings. Trust your instincts and avoid risky situations whenever possible. Avoid traveling to or visiting places where large public gatherings of political nature usually take place,” the embassy advised.
In Manila, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. announced that the government would not yet order a mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran.
“We generally leave it to each individual, to each family to decide for themselves whether or not they feel safe or whether or not they would like to be evacuated,” Marcos said during a media interview.
“We, of course, are watching our nationals both in Israel and in Iran, and as a matter of fact, we have already contacted all our nationals and asked them if they want to be evacuated,” he added.