Thirty-eight Filipinos in Israel are seeking to return home amid the escalating conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). However, the Philippines is not implementing a deployment ban on Filipino workers to Israel at this time, as there is a government-to-government hiring arrangement in place. The DMW stressed the need for coordination with Israeli Labor and Immigration counterparts before making any decisions regarding deployment.
The conflict between Hamas militants and Israeli forces began over the weekend when militants launched a surprise attack from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns, resulting in casualties and kidnappings. In response, Israel launched airstrikes in Gaza and vowed to retaliate against the Palestinian Islamist militants. Among the 38 Filipinos who wish to return home are 17 children from nine families, with eleven of the spouses being Palestinians.
According to a survey conducted by the DMW, 313 Filipinos in Israel have affirmed that they are safe from the hostilities. However, the government is currently investigating reports of a possible death of a Filipino worker in Israel. Despite concerns, Filipino hotel workers will still be deployed to Israel in the absence of a deployment ban.
The Philippine embassies in Tel Aviv, Amman (Jordan), and Cairo (Egypt) have recommended raising the alert level to 3, which would allow for the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos. Out of the more than 30,000 Filipinos residing in Israel, it is estimated that 95% do not live near Gaza. This cautionary advisory is particularly relevant for the approximately 137 Filipinos living in Gaza who are married to Palestinians.
Party-list Representative Ron P. Salo has filed a resolution to establish a task force aimed at helping Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel and Gaza. The proposed crisis management and response task force would provide regular updates to the public, monitor the whereabouts of Filipinos and their families, coordinate with neighboring countries for potential exit points, and collaborate with international groups such as the International Organization for Migration, Red Crescent, and Red Cross. The goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipinos in the region and provide necessary support for repatriation if required.
In conclusion, the escalating conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas militants has prompted 38 Filipinos in Israel to express their desire to return home. Despite the situation, the Philippine government has yet to implement a deployment ban on Filipino workers, citing the need for coordination with Israeli counterparts. Efforts are being made to provide assistance and monitor the well-being of Filipinos in Israel and Gaza, while a proposed task force aims to ensure their safety and facilitate their timely repatriation if needed.
