Marcos: Pinoy hostage released by Hamas
At A Glance
- Marcos said Pacheco, 33, was released by the terrorist organization on Nov. 24. and is now in the custody of the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
- Pacheco was taken hostage on October 7.
President Marcos is elated as he confirmed the release of Filipino national Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, weeks after he was held hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

In an X (formerly Twitter) post, the President said Pacheco, 33, was released by the terrorist organization on Nov. 24. and is now in the custody of the Philippine Embassy in Israel.
“I am overjoyed to confirm that a Filipino, Mr. Gelienor 'Jimmy' Pacheco, was among the first group of 24 hostages released by the Hamas yesterday,” he wrote.
The President lauded the Philippine Foreign Services and thanked the State of Qatar for their invaluable assistance in securing the freedom of Pacheco.
Pacheco was taken hostage on October 7.
With Pacheco’s release, President Marcos said that the government remains concerned about the whereabouts of Filipino national Noralyn Babadilla, who is reportedly one of the foreign nationals held hostage by the Hamas group.
The Chief Executive added that the Philippine government would not waste time to ensure her release if she was found to be one of the group’s hostages.
“We pray for the continued success of the truce and for all hostages to be released,” he added.
President Marcos assured Filipinos in Israel and their loved ones in the Philippines that the government will continue monitoring the situation in the war-torn areas and coordinating with international counterparts to ensure their welfare and safety.