KABAYAN Rep. Ron P. Salo, chairman of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, has expressed deep concern and urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to exhaust all diplomatic means to expedite the opening of a humanitarian corridor for Filipinos trapped in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

In a briefing by the DFA, it was revealed that the situation is growing increasingly urgent.

For Filipinos in Gaza, their repatriation is dependent on the opening of a humanitarian corridor in Egypt.

Salo stressed the importance of doing every possible means to facilitate this process.

He inquired whether a 24-hour opening of the humanitarian corridor would be sufficient to transport the 78 Filipinos who are now desiring to be repatriated from Gaza to Cairo, Egypt, and eventually back to the Philippines.

“The DFA must exhaust all diplomatic means to push for an immediate ceasefire and open a humanitarian corridor to allow the safe passage of our Kabayans, and other foreign nationals trapped in Gaza. This ceasefire will provide the much-needed window of opportunity to ensure the safe passage of our people in the affected area,” Salo urged.

As of now, 135 Filipinos are located in Gaza, and the DFA has reported that the number of those wishing to be repatriated has reached 78.

DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo assured that a 24-hour opening of a humanitarian corridor will suffice for the successful repatriation of the 78 Filipinos in Gaza since they are already near the southern border and prepared to be repatriated.

“This urgency stems from my deep concern for the safety and welfare of our fellow Filipinos in Israel and Gaza, whose lives are increasingly put at risk the longer this conflict goes on,” Salo said.

Manalo agreed, emphasizing during the briefing that “the longer this operation takes, the greater the humanitarian loss and consequences.”

“We need the support and cooperation of the United Nations and other countries for the opening of a humanitarian corridor. Thus, the DFA should do all that it can to coordinate with the entire international community for this purpose,” Salo added.

Salo commended DFA, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA ) for their ongoing efforts to address the situation, including the successful repatriation of the first batch of 17 Filipinos from Israel Wednesday.

“I emphasize the need for swift action in this crisis. Nevertheless, I am truly grateful for the ongoing efforts of the DFA, DMW, and OWWA to address the situation, and it brings hope to see the successful repatriation of the first batch of 17 Filipinos today,” Salo concluded.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco