No emergency evacuation yet for Pinoys in Israel, Iran

MANILA, Philippines, June 19 ------ There is no need yet for mandatory repatriation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran, President Marcos said, as the raging hostilities between the two countries threaten to further escalate and undermine the global economy.

Speaking to reporters in Quezon City, Marcos said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac is set to travel to Jordan to coordinate the evacuation of Filipinos in Israel and Iran who had sought assistance from the government. “Of course, we 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,” the President said. “Some have asked to be evacuated out of Israel. Some in Iran, at first, did not want to leave. But now, some are saying they need to. They are afraid so they are seeking help so they can leave,” he added.

Asked if the government would raise the status of the situation in Israel and Iran to Alert Level 4 or mandatory repatriation, Marcos replied: “No, not yet. We generally leave it to each individual or each family to decide for themselves whether or not they feel safe, or whether or not they would like to be evacuated.”

Israel is under Alert Level 2 or restriction phase. Under this alert level, only returning overseas Filipino workers with existing employment contracts are permitted to go back to their destination country to resume their employment. But last night, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it may “temporarily” raise the alert level in Israel from 2 (restriction phase) to 3 or voluntary repatriation, due to escalating hostilities.

The DFA also said 21 Filipinos – including 17 officials – managed to cross from Israel into Jordan and are awaiting flight to Manila. Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said they are expected to arrive in Manila by weekend. Marcos said the shutdown of several airports is posing problems to evacuation efforts. “We are looking for a route where they can leave. But we have been able to do that,” he added.

Of the 150 Filipinos in Israel who requested repatriation, 26 have confirmed and are now being processed, the Philippine embassy in Israel said. The Filipina in critical condition due to severe and life-threatening injuries needs to undergo major surgery. The embassy said she is receiving medical care at the Intensive Care Unit of Shamir Medical Center, one of Israel’s most advanced hospitals.

One is still confined at the Kaplan Medical Center with moderate-serious injuries, while five have been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries. Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said the Israeli government is willing to shoulder the hospitalization and medical expenses of the injured Filipinos. The missile attacks on Israel has displaced 49 Filipinos, who lost their homes. “They are currently being housed in temporary accommodations. This number includes an infant who was just born on 10 June,” the embassy said.

Source: philstar.com