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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos reaches out to families of Pinoys killed in Israel war; vows full support

Marcos reaches out to families of Pinoys killed in Israel war; vows full support

Published Oct 12, 2023 03:18 am

At A Glance

  • Marcos called the loved ones of the OFWs on Wednesday evening.
  • Marcos vowed that the government would provide the families with the utmost support.

The toughest phone call.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)
THE TOUGHEST PHONE CALL — President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. calls on Oct. 11, 2023, the families of the Filipinos who died in the war in Israel. (Bongbong Marcos/Facebook)

This was how President Marcos described his phone conversation with the families of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died due to the attacks of the militant group Hamas in Israel over the weekend.

In a Facebook post, the President said he called the loved ones of the OFWs on Wednesday evening.

"'Bongbong'Last night, I made two of the most difficult phone calls I've had to make as President," he wrote on Thursday morning, Oct. 12.

"The nation is one in grieving with the families of the Filipinos who were killed in the attacks on Israel," he added.

According to Marcos, the government will "provide the utmost support to the families" of the Filipinos who died during the war.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos told the wife of a 42-year-old victim that the government was ready to help her.

"Magsabi sa amin kung ano kailangan mo. Nandito ang gobyerno para tulungan ka (Just tell us what you need. The government is here to help you)," he said.

"Gusto ko lang makausap ka para alam mo naman inaalala ka namin at nakikiramay hindi lamang ako, buong pamilya ko, lahat ng Pilipinas ay nakikiramay sa iyo (I wanted to talk to you so that you know that we're thinking of you and sympathize with you— me, my family, and the entire nation is with you)," he added.

President Marcos has instructed the Philippine Ambassador to Israel, Pedro "Junie" Laylo Jr., to closely coordinate with the families of the two victims and provide them with all the necessary assistance.

According to Marcos, the government will be able to provide the necessary financial assistance to the families and will assist in bringing their loved ones home.

"Susubukan namin lahat ng aming gagawin (We will try everything)," he said.

President Marcos said the Philippines is now working closely with their Israeli counterparts to ensure the safety of the Filipinos in the war-torn country.

He ensured the Philippine government would immediately conduct the necessary repatriation efforts for affected Filipinos in Israel once the Israeli government opened its "humanitarian corridors."

Meanwhile, despite this, the President said that the tragedy would not deter the Filipino spirit.

"This tragedy will not deter our spirit. We will continue to stand for peace," he added.

Two Filipinos have so far died in the war in Israel.

President Marcos said the Philippines will stand by Israel in quelling the Hamas' "inhuman terrorist attacks."

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos Hamas attack ISRAEL-HAMAS President Marcos
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