THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday confirmed that another Filipino has been killed in Israel following the Hamas attack on the country.

The DFA said the victim was a Filipina caregiver working in a communal settlement in Israel when the Hamas militant group mounted a surprise attack on Oct. 7.

“I regret to inform the nation that we have received confirmation from the Israeli government of another Filipino casualty in Israel,” DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo posted on X, formerly Twitter.

He said the government has given assurance to the next of kin of its full support and assistance.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said the fourth fatality was one of the three Filipinos declared missing.

He said there is still no information on the two remaining missing Filipinos.

16 OFWs HOME FROM ISRAEL

A total of 16 repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel and a one-month-old infant arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Wednesday.

Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, together with the officials from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Health and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), welcomed the OFWs.

Upon arrival, the OFWs immediately received financial assistance and were assured by the various government agencies of other forms of assistance.

“Bukod sa financial assistance habang kayo ay nasa Israel, kami rin po ay magbibigay ng P50,000 para sa inyo. Sasagutin din ng OWWA ang inyong transportasyon hanggang sa inyong mga probinsya at kung connecting flight, hanggang sa hotel accommodation, kasi ganyan namin kayo kamahal,” OWWA Deputy Administrator Honey Quino told the OFWs.

Other agencies present during the arrival also committed to helping the repatriated OFWs.

TESDA Deputy Director General Aniceto Bertiz said the agency will distribute a scholarship commitment certificate to the returned OFWs, assuring them that they could avail of TESDA’s scholarship program nationwide.

He said TESDA has 17 regional offices and 87 provincial offices, aside from the schools that they run nationwide.

“We are closely coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers para maihanda kayo. Ang TESDA ay handang tumulong para magkaroon kayo ng new skills at training, kasama na rin yung livelihood program,” Bertiz said.

He added TESDA will also provide financial assistance of PHP5,000 to each of the OFWs, and if they opt to avail of the Skills Training for Employment Program (STEP) such as the bread and pastry training, they would also be given a free oven and other materials needed so they could start with their own business.

Meanwhile, the DOH said they will provide medical assistance, including psycho-social counseling, stress debriefing and medical referral.

Senator Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, and OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino were also at the NAIA to welcome the repatriated OFWs affected by the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

OWWA GIVES AID TO REPATRIATED PINOYS

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) headed by Administrator Arnaldo Ignacio has launched assistance programs to support and provide relief to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the recent conflict in Israel.

Recognizing the urgent need to aid Filipinos caught in a challenging situation, OWWA has stepped up its efforts to ensure the welfare of our beloved kababayans.

OWWA has allocated financial assistance to every Filipino worker affected in Israel and distributed them onsite.

This financial aid aims to help OFWs address immediate basic needs and alleviate their financial burdens during these difficult times, OWWA said.

In an effort to reunite affected OFWs with their families in the Philippines, OWWA is offering a repatriation assistance package of P50,000 for each returning OFW. This financial support aims to address the needs of their families and help them transition smoothly back to their loved ones.

OWWA is also extending airport and transportation assistance to OFWs coming home upon repatriation. They understand the challenge of travel logistics and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for these returning workers.

Recognizing that some OFWs may need to stay overnight in Manila while waiting for their connecting flights back to their hometowns, OWWA is providing hotel accommodations to guarantee their comfort and security during this temporary stay. This initiative proves that OWWA goes the extra mile in assisting OFWs every step of the way.

OWWA has launched its Balik Pinas, Balik Hanap-buhay program that aims to empower the reintegrated OFWs by providing them with livelihood opportunities back home to its members.

Through this program, repatriated workers can access training, financial assistance, and resources to start their own businesses or engage in income-generating activities. OWWA is committed to helping these individuals regain their footing and rebuild their lives in the Philippines.

OWWA’s extensive range of assistance programs demonstrates their staunch commitment to the well-being and welfare of Filipino workers abroad. In times of crisis, OWWA remains a reliable and steadfast ally, providing crucial support to alleviate the hardships faced by our valiant kababayans. PCO, PNA, Jester Manalastas