The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that the voluntary repatriation phase, or Alert Level 3, in Israel will remain in effect, as stated by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega on Wednesday.
De Vega indicated that the DFA would await the official recommendation from the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv regarding whether to retain or downgrade the alert level, as activities in Israel gradually return to normal following the ceasefire with Iran. “Still Alert Level 3. We shall await (the) recommendations of Ambassador (Aileen Mendiola),” he communicated to the Philippine News Agency via text message.
Israel has officially ended its state of emergency after declaring a “historic victory” in its 12-day military action against Iran. The Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command has lifted all restrictions on schools, public gatherings, and workplaces.
De Vega assured that repatriation for those who have requested to leave Israel would continue. However, he noted that plans for repatriation via Jordan are likely to be put on hold as Israel considers fully reopening its airspace. “There are around 50 (scheduled for repatriation) through Jordan, but this has been put on hold muna (in the meantime),” he added.
According to the latest data from the Philippine Embassy in Israel, approximately 340 Filipinos have requested to return to the Philippines, including the 50 confirmed for repatriation.
During the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, at least 135 Filipinos lost their homes due to missile impacts, with 125 of them transferred to temporary housing accommodations and Department of Migrant Workers shelters. A total of 26 overseas Filipino workers have returned to the Philippines, while 100 Filipino pilgrims and students were repatriated earlier.
Of the eight Filipinos injured in the Iranian air raids, seven have been discharged, while one remains in critical condition after sustaining severe injuries. The embassy reported that this Filipina has undergone two surgeries and is currently being treated in the intensive care unit of the Shamir Medical Center.
Meanwhile, 402 Filipinos have received various forms of assistance from the embassy, including emergency financial aid, temporary shelter, and relief packages containing food, clothing, and hygiene products.
Under Alert Level 3, Filipinos in Israel are encouraged to undergo voluntary repatriation.
