November 13 ------ THE total number of Filipinos able to safely leave the Gaza Strip since the Israel-Hamas war started on October 7 has reached 98, the Philippine Embassy in Egypt announced. This was after a third batch of 14 Filipinos crossed the Rafah border and entered Egyptian territory on November 10.
Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago said the 14 were accompanied by their Palestinian families and were welcomed by the embassy team led by Vice Consul Bojer Capati. "This third batch of OFs (overseas Filipinos) will travel to Cairo, and another team of the Philippine Embassy in Cairo will assist them to their accommodations and will arrange their flights home," he said.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega earlier said 56 Filipinos were allowed to exit the border, but the 14 decided to stay after their Palestinian relatives were denied entry by Egyptian authorities. On Friday, 34 Filipinos along with a Palestinian were repatriated to the Philippines.
The group was welcomed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
Source: manilatimes.net