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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA thanks nations for release of another Filipino hostage

DFA thanks nations for release of another Filipino hostage

Published Nov 29, 2023 03:47 am

​The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed gratitude to the governments of Qatar, Israel and Egypt for their efforts that led to the release of another Filipino who remained unaccounted for after Hamas' attack over a month ago.

DFA thanked the State of Qatar for mediating in the talk that led to the release of Noralin Babadilla, a Batangas-born Filipina with Israeli citizenship, who had been in captivity of Hamas in Gaza for 53 days. She was released on Nov. 28.

It was also Qatar that negotiated for the earlier release of another Filipino hostage, Jimmy Pacheco.

DFA also expressed its gratitude to the State of Israel for agreeing to the conditions that facilitated the release of Babadilla.

"We also recognize the support and participation of Egypt as well as the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) and other international organizations in the process," DFA said.

​"We remain committed to looking after the welfare of Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict, and share the hope for the eventual cessation of all hostilities in the region​," it added.

​On Wednesday, President Marcos announced the release of Babadilla, which came during the pause in fighting agreed by Israel and Hamas.

So far, 81 hostages by Hamas were released from the around 237 individuals believed to be abducted to the Palestinian authority.

Related Tags

hostage Gaza Israel-Hamas war
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