The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced that the repatriation flight is being prepared for overseas Filipino workers affected by the unrest in Israel and the remains of two Filipinos who died in an attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
In a press conference this Thursday, DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said that they are preparing for the repatriations.
“So just watch for the appropriate announcement here because obviously we’re preparing the flights and all that. But soon there will be repatriation of OFWs,” he assured.
According to the official, there are 22 OFWs who have expressed their desire to return home first. This includes 19 caregivers and three hotel workers in Israel.
It is said that the repatriation of the remains of the two Filipinos who were confirmed dead in the Hamas attack must obtain clearance from the Israeli authorities.
“It’s been done before during the pandemic in Saudii. We had mass repatriation of remains so it can be done,” said Cacdac. “Maybe we’re just at the stage where we still need to get the proper clearances from the Israeli authorities.”
Cacdac hopes that the OFWs and the remains of the two dead Filipinos can be taken on the same flight.
DMWs prepares for repatriation of OFWs in Israel
Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Educardo de Vega said that processing has begun to bring the remains of the two OFWs home.
“Only question is about the shipment of remains. We are not sure if the families prefer to have them here but the process is ongoing,” said De Vega in an interview with CNN Philippines.
De Vega also announced that 70 Filipinos in Gaza want to go home to the Philippines.
However, Filipinos cannot be rescued immediately in Gaza because Israel has blocked it. It is said that there needs to be “humanitarian corridors” so that those who want to leave can get out of Gaza.
This Thursday, the Philippines put the situation in Gaza on Alert Level 3 due to Israel’s ongoing attack targeting Hamas forces.
According to the DFA, there are 137 Filipinos in Gaza.
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