Malacañang is confident that Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are very much prepared for any contingency that may arise as a result of the escalating conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
At the regular press briefing, both the Embassy and OWWA are already familiar with the procedure whenever a crisis or hostilities would erupt abroad, especially in areas where there are overseas Filipino workers.
“So hinahanda na po iyong posibleng repatriation at binibigyan na po sila ng warning na kung pupuwede po ay iyon nga po, mag–ingat dahil dito sa mga pag-iinit ng mga pangyayari diyan sa Israel ‘no at sa Occupied Territory (Preparations are being made for the possible repatriation and warnings are being issued to take precautionary measures due to the heightening tension in Israel and in the Occupied Territory),” Roque said.
If necessary, the Palace spokesman said the government is ready to fetch the Filipinos if it is necessary and with their consent.
He reiterated the earlier statement made by the Department of Foreign Affairs expressing “serious deep concern” over the ongoing conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians that has already resulted to the death of more than 70 individuals from both sides.
As of June 2020, there are nearly 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, according to the data provided by the DFA.
“Bihasa na po ang ating mga embahada at ang ating OWWA pagdating sa mga kaguluhan kung saan naroroon ang ating mga kababayan (Our Embassy and OWWA are already experts when it comes to handling crisis that involves our kababayan),” he said.