House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs hailed on Saturday, Nov. 25 the release of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Gelienor "Jimmy" Pacheco by the Hamas. 

Committee chairman, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo thanked all the personalities and departments that worked together to bring about this positive development amid the war in the Middle East. 

"I extend my highest commendation to the officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) led by Secretary Enrique Manalo, as well as our Ambassadors in Egypt, Israel, and Jordan for their effective actions leading to the successful release of Mr. Gelienor "Jimmy" Pacheco, who is one of the first hostages released by Hamas," Salo said in a statement. 

"Their dedication in ensuring the safety of our nationals is truly commendable," he added. 

"I also express our gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos. Jr. for his decisive leadership and proactive approach in addressing this delicate situation. His commitment and concern to the well-being of our fellow Filipinos abroad is highly commendable," the panel chairman said. 

Salo also acknowledged the State of Qatar for their "invaluable initiative and assistance throughout this ordeal". 

"Their support has played a crucial role in the successful safe release of our kabayan (countryman)," he noted. 

OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino, a member of the Salo committee from the House minority bloc, wax similarly thrilled with the news. 

"We are overjoyed that our [OFW], Gelienor 'Jimmy' Pacheco, is among the 11 hostages released as part of an agreement negotiated by other nations with Hamas," Magsino said in a separate statement. 

"Jimmy has been a dedicated caregiver in Israel for five years. As with all our OFWs, he went to Israel with the goal of providing a better life for his wife and children. It is a relief that he will now be safely reunited with them," she said. 

We thank all those in Israel and nearby countries who relentlessly worked on the release of 11 hostages. We also thank President Marcos and our officials from the [DFA] and Department of Migrant Workers for closely and persistently coordinating with foreign authorities to ensure the safety of Filipinos caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Hamas war," added the neophyte solon.