CHR lauds gov't efforts to ensure safety of Filipinos in Israel

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) paid tribute to the "proactive efforts" of the government to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipinos in conflict-stricken areas in Israel.
It lauded the work being done by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Labor Office and the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv.
In a statement issued through Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia on Sunday, May 23, the CHR said laudable are the efforts aimed at conducting in-country evacuation of Filipinos in the conflict-stricken areas, including Filipino workers living with their employers.
There are about 30,000 Filipino workers in Israel, on top of those married to Palestinians living in Gaza.
De Guia said the CHR stresses that, even abroad, the Philippine government, through OWWA, is still mandated to look after the welfare of Filipinos.
She pointed out that both the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 8042) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Act (RA 10801) mandate the government to undertake the protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) during crises, including war and conflict.
The CHR emphasized that it is the duty of the government “to uphold the safety of every Filipino in and out of the country, and efforts like facilitating in-country evacuation exemplify the effective fulfillment of its responsibilities as duty-bearer of rights and a public servant,” she added.