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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider 3 Eastern Visayas mayors stranded in Israel amid conflict

3 Eastern Visayas mayors stranded in Israel amid conflict

Published Jun 16, 2025 05:29 pm
TACLOBAN CITY – At least three town mayors from Eastern Visayas – Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais; Lawaan, Eastern Samar Mayor Athene Mendros, and Hindang, Leyte Mayor Betty Cabal – have been stranded in Israel after being caught in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.
In a message sent to Tacloban-based journalists on Monday, Balais said they have been taking shelter inside a bomb-proof bunker near their hotel.
MARYN Mahtiov gathers her belongings from her apartment in Bat Yam, central Israel, after it was struck by an Iranian missile on Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP)
MARYN Mahtiov gathers her belongings from her apartment in Bat Yam, central Israel, after it was struck by an Iranian missile on Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP)
They are part of a study visit organized by the Israel Agency for International Development Cooperation, focused on promoting sustainability and food security in urban centers.
Balais stated that there are 17 Philippine government officials in their delegation seeking shelter from Iran's bombardment and strikes.
In the past three days, we have been exploring where to exit, but all borders and airspace are closed. Our plan is to exit via Jordan, but it is very chaotic there, Balais told reporters. The Leyte mayor was unable to disclose the identities of other delegates from the country through chat, as bombardment was disrupting communication.
A Facebook post by Cabal on June 8 indicated their safe arrival in Israel with vice mayors and a congressman, though she did not specify their names.
Balais confirmed they have been in continuous contact with the Philippine Embassy, and the deputy ambassador visited them on Sunday. The officials are scheduled to conclude their foreign trip on June 20.
The Philippine Embassy in Israel has announced that a Crisis Management Team has been formed and prepositioned to provide relief goods, reactivate designated shelters, and prepare for repatriation.
The situation escalated in the early hours of June 13, when Israeli forces attacked Iran, reportedly hitting nuclear and missile facilities and killing top military commanders and scientists. Iran responded with ballistic missiles targeting several areas across Israel. (PNA)

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