Senators on Sunday, October 8 urged the government to exhaust all means to secure the welfare and safety of all Filipinos in Israel.

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva issued the call as they condemned the attacks of Hamas on Israel.

“We strongly condemn the violence committed by terrorists against innocent civilians in the ongoing conflict in Israel. We deplore the taking of hostages and seek their immediate release,” Zubiri said in a statement.

“Neither freedom nor justice can truly be won through this kind of violence,” the Senate leader added.

“We call upon the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other Philippine government agencies to secure our overseas Filipinos and ensure safe passage if necessary,” he further said.

Zubiri also called on authorities to fully utilize the Assistance to Nationals Fund for this purpose.

“I pray for all who are affected by this conflict- particularly the thousands of our Filipino brothers and sisters. May the LORD cover you all,” he said.

Villanueva said he stands in solidarity with the people of Israel and also prayed for peace.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless attacks of Hamas on Israel. Violence has no place in this world and there is certainly no excuse that can justify these inhumane attacks. This kind of violence must end,” Villanueva said.

“We stand in solidarity and offer our prayers to the people of Israel during this challenging time,” he added.

“We also call on the DFA and the DMW, and the Philippine Embassy in Israel to provide any assistance possible, most especially to the Filipinos residing in the country,” Villanueva also said.

According to the Philippine Embassy in Israel, the attacks, which started on Saturday, were carried out by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Israel’s Home Front Command subsequently issued a “State of War” alert.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo said an estimated 24,800 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are currently affected, according to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnel Ignacio.

"Since the conflict ensued, my office has been in full contact with the DMW and OWWA to find out the condition of OFWs and Filipinos in the area to ensure their safety and repatriation plan," Tulfo said, also in a separate statement.

"Our government has already formed a task force that includes the DMW, OWWA and the DFA to monitor our countrymen in Israel," the senator added.

Tulfo said the task force is still investigating if there are Filipinos among the reported 250 people killed and 1,590 injured in the said attacks . About 2,000 OFWs are reportedly living in Gaza.

"Meanwhile, on the Filipino and Thai nationals who were allegedly caught by the Hamas group at the border, the embassy is still confirming this information," he said.

"Amid this turmoil, I remind our kababayans in Israel to stay alert and focus on important news. Likewise, it is very important that they follow the advice and reminders of the authorities from the Israeli government. They should also practice following standard operating procedures when the warning sirens blare, for their safety," the lawmaker said.

Sen. Grace Poe, on the other hand, said the concerned government agencies should make sure that compatriots, especially those living near the battle zones, are moved to secure shelters or halfway houses.

"Repatriation should be calibrated for those who want to go home while the borders are still open," Poe said and reminded that the government, through the OWWA has a standby fund for repatriation of OFWs in distress which should be utilized efficiently.

"As we hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, we have to act with dispatch so that no Filipinos will be included in the count of casualties," the senator stressed.