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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House panel assured Pinoys in Israel, Gaza can be repatriated if need arises

House panel assured Pinoys in Israel, Gaza can be repatriated if need arises

Published Oct 11, 2023 10:10 pm

At A Glance

  • The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have guaranteed congressmen that the government can repatriate the Filipinos from Israel and Gaza Strip should the need arises. 

IMG-fa2759bcd718ee9872e814c7839dea91-V.jpgKabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (center) (Rep. Salo's office)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) have guaranteed congressmen that the government can repatriate the Filipinos from Israel and Gaza Strip should the need arises.

Representatives of these agencies did so during a briefing held Wednesday, Oct. 11 by the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs amid the raging conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas rebel fighters.

“It is reassuring that government agencies mandated for the protection of our migrant workers and overseas Filipinos, particularly DFA, DMW and OWWA, are prepared to meet any contingencies," committee chairman, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said in a statement Wednesday night following the briefing.

"It is also reassuring that the DND (Department of National Defense), with our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), have vowed to provide all the necessary support to ensure success of our repatriation efforts when needed,” Salo added.

The panel briefing was held even as two Filipinos have reportedly been killed as a result of the Israel-Hamas war.

The DFA and DMW clarified that of the estimated 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and overseas Filipinos in Israel, approximately 1,500 Filipinos are in affected areas where the armed conflict is ongoing.

An additional 137 overseas Filipinos, who are primarily Filipino women married to Palestinians, are in Gaza.

“A whole of government approach is crucial in ensuring the success of our efforts in protecting the lives and ensuring the safety of our fellow Filipinos. We are glad that our agencies are united in realizing this objective," said the panel chairman.

"We assure our OFWs, overseas Filipinos and their families that the committee will continue in its duty of exercising oversight over these agencies to ensure that they remain committed in this endeavor,” Salo said.

It was also revealed in the briefing that President Marcos himself was being regularly apprised of the developments on the situation of the Filipinos abroad.

“It is very admirable for the President to personally oversee the efforts of our agencies. It is a testament to his genuine concern on the safety and security of our OFWs and overseas Filipinos,” the Kabayan solon said.

Related Tags

ron Salo Kabayan Party-List Repatriation HAMAS Gaza Strip
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