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Solons stranded in Israel? House exec says he can't confirm yet

Published Jun 18, 2025 01:46 am

At A Glance

  • House Secretary General Reginald Velasco says the lower chamber cannot confirm yet if there are indeed congressmen stranded in Israel amid that country's intensifying exchange of missile strikes with Iran.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco (PPAB)
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco (PPAB)

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco says the lower chamber cannot confirm yet if there are indeed congressmen stranded in Israel amid that country's intensifying exchange of missile strikes with Iran.
Velasco made this statement on Tuesday night, June 17 amid reports that House of Representatives members had been caught in the crossfire.
We can't confirm at this time if there are any House members in Israel because it is possible that some House members may have included Israel in their travel itinerary en route to Europe or back to Manila, he told reporters.
At any rate, Velasco said the House was closely coordinating with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs).
The 19th Congress adjourned sine die last June 11. Solons usually go on vacation after adjournment.
Israel is a popular spot for travellers and pilgrims alike, being home to Jerusalem, dubbed as as the heart of the Holy Land. It’s where Jesus Christ died and came back to life, and where the Prophet Muhammad rose to heaven to receive the word of God.
Velasco is the highest-ranked civilian official in the House.
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