Marcos meets Pinoys who survived Hamas attack; vows to stand by OFWs
At A Glance
- Marcos lauded the two OFWs for their devotion to their work despite the turmoil. With this, he renewed his commitment to promoting the welfare of Filipinos overseas.
President Marcos has vowed to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as he praised the two Filipinos who survived the attack carried out by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7.

Marcos said this as he met OFWs Jimmy Pacheco and Camille Jesalva in Malacañan on Friday, Dec. 22.
In a Facebook post, the President lauded the two OFWs for their devotion to their work despite the turmoil. He renewed his commitment to promote the welfare of Filipinos overseas.
"In the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Mr. Pacheco and Ms. Jesalva exemplified the true Filipino spirit— remaining devoted to their duties and filled with profound love for others," he wrote.
"With their stories in our hearts, we pledge to stand by our modern-day heroes and ensure their safety in times of turmoil," he added.
President Marcos said he was pleased to meet Pacheco and Jesalva and that they returned home safely.
He asked them to document their experience so the people would know what they had gone through.
“Napakabigat naman nung experience niyo. Isulat ninyo o i-video ninyo (You had a grave experience. Write or make a video about it),” Marcos said.
“Lahat ng repatriate, ikuwento nila, para malaman ng tao kung ano yung pinagdaanan nila. Yung Israeli, mahal naman tayo, eh (We should tell the story of all repatriates so the people would know their experience. The Israelis love us)," he added.
Pacheco, a caregiver, was released by Hamas on Nov. 24 while he arrived in the Philippines on Dec. 18.
Jesalva, also a caregiver, was spared by Hamas militants who attacked her employer's house on Oct. 7 after she offered them her money.