Filipinos in Israel urged to repatriate

National

THE Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv announced a significant increase in repatriation requests from Filipinos in Israel, following the United States' entry into the escalating conflict between Tel Aviv and Tehran on Saturday night.

Of the 223 Filipinos in Israel, 26 are scheduled to depart today, June 23, as part of the ongoing repatriation efforts.

According to data from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), there are 30,742 Filipinos residing in Israel and 1,180 in Iran.

The recent U.S. strikes on Iran's three main nuclear sites have prompted the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to elevate Israel's security status from "Limited Activity" to "Essential Activity."

The embassy now strongly urged Filipinos in Israel to remain indoors.

“The embassy strongly advises all Filipinos in Israel to remain inside their homes, and to be ready to seek shelter, use a safe room or Mamad (protected room inside a home) in the event of a missile alert,” it said.

This means classes in all educational institutions are suspended, all forms of gatherings are prohibited, and work is suspended except for those providing essential services.

In a recent incident, a Filipina, who is in critical condition with severe and life-threatening injuries underwent a major pulmonary surgery at Shamir Medical Center after a missile attack.

Additionally, 88 Filipinos lost their homes due to missile impact, according to the embassy.

They are currently being housed in temporary accommodations.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Tehran has confirmed that no Filipinos were killed in areas near the three Iranian nuclear facilities bombed by the United States.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said there was “no report of any Filipino casualty in Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow areas so far.”

“The Philippines is greatly concerned over the developments in the Middle East in these last few hours. We strongly urge concerned parties to take the path of diplomacy and avoid further escalation of this conflict that could threaten regional and international peace and security,” the DFA said in a statement

Filipinos in Israel who wish to avail of the Philippine government's repatriation assistance are advised to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv via their 24/7 Hotline Emergency Number (+972 54 466 1188) or by emailing ([email protected]). (Sarah Balaba, CNU Comm Intern)