Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, October 11 urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to prepare for the repatriation of Filipinos as the tension escalates further in war-torn Israel.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros (Senate PRIB Photo) 

At the same time, Hontiveros expressed her deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of two overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who were killed in the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“This is very heart-wrenching. The whole nation is with you in this moment of immense grief. Pakikiramay po. Government is ready to assist in any way we can,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

With the escalating threat of violence extending beyond Israel, Hontiveros said the DFA and DMW must be able to redirect available resources at their disposal to these conflict areas.
 

The plan should include transportation logistics, communication strategies, and safe shelter provisions even beyond Israel.
 

“I strongly urge the DFA and the DMW to pre-position necessary resources for the swift implementation of their contingency plan to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino nationals in Israel and Gaza,” she said.

“Prompt implementation will undoubtedly provide much-needed reassurance to both OFWs and their families back home. But there must be sufficient resources to support any effective contingency plan, should it become necessary,” added the senator.

“May nakatabi ba tayo para diyan? Dapat lang. Napakakomplikado ng giyerang ito. Sana agad na maipaalam na sa mga Pilipino ang plano ng gobyerno for both short and long-term scenarios para mapaghandaan, lalo na sa ongoing budget process (Do we have anything set aside for that? There should be. This war is very complicated. I hope that the government's plan for both short and long-term scenarios will be communicated to the Filipinos immediately so that they can prepare, especially for the ongoing budget process),” she said.

“We must be prepared to charter flights and buses, hire additional security personnel, and provide adequate medical and humanitarian aid to our kababayan (compatriots),” she reiterated, adding that there should also be sufficient funds for emergency financial assistance and free legal services.

Hontiveros said she is committed to working closely with the DFA, the DMW and other relevant government agencies to ensure the safe return of our OFWs.

“In the face of this tragedy, we must stand united as a nation and support our OFWs without complacency or delay. Their lives are under imminent threat. The administration must continue to prepare amid the volatile situation in and beyond the region, so we can give our kababayan the care and support that they rightfully deserve,” she stressed.