Two Filipinos were killed after war between Israel and Hamas broke out over the weekend, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Wednesday, Oct. 11.
In a post on X, Manalo said the Philippines condemned "the killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as a result of Hamas actions against Israel."
He said the Philippines is ready to work with other countries in achieving a long-lasting resolution to the conflict, in accordance with pertinent UN Security Council Resolutions and the general principles of international law.
"The Philippine government will continue to provide all possible assistance to distressed Filipinos nationals in Israel and Palestine," he added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has yet to provide further details on the slain Filipinos.
On Tuesday, a Philippine embassy official disclosed that a Filipino who was among those previously reported missing was feared dead after being caught in clases between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
"Last night [we] received a report [that] a Filipino might have perished in the violence," Anthony Mandap, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Philippine Embassy in Israel, said in ANC interview.
The victim might have been shot, he said.
Meanwhile, in an update provided by the DFA on Tuesday night, the agency said one of the seven missing Filipino nationals was already accounted for.
"This reduces the number of missing Filipinos to six–two males and four females," Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said.
At least 23 Filipinos—a male and 22 females—were also rescued by Israeli authorities and were brought to safe areas, Daza added.
"Of these, one male remains in hospital being treated for moderate injuries sustained during the rescue operation," she said.
Until now, Daza said, the Philippine embassy is still confirming a report of a Filipina, who said she recognized her husband as one of the hostages taken to Gaza by Hamas that was seen in one of the videos circulating on social media.
"The Embassy’s Labor Attache and Welfare Officer are on the ground to assist the sister of the said Filipina in confirming this with the Israel Police," Daza said.
The Philippines, according to Daza, is extending its gratitude to the Israeli security forces for "risking their lives to rescue our kababayan caught in the combat areas, as well as to the Israeli emergency services and kibbutz authorities who included Filipino nationals in their evacuation operations."