TRAGEDY
THE Philippine government confirmed on Wednesday that two Filipinos were killed in the war between Israeli forces and the Hamas group.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), however, has yet to release detailed information, including where the Filipinos were killed.
“The Philippines condemns the killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as a result of Hamas actions against Israel,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in a post over X, formerly Twitter.
“The Philippines is ready to work with other countries towards a long-lasting resolution to the conflict, in accordance with pertinent United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the general principles of international law,” he added.
Based on the latest DFA data, there are more than 30,000 Filipinos in Israel and 137 in Gaza.
In its latest bulletin on Oct. 11, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv said there are at least six Filipinos still unaccounted for in Israel.
Manalo assured the public that the Philippine government would continue to provide all possible assistance to distressed Filipino nationals in Israel and Palestine.
DSWD TO HELP KIN OF 2 ILL-FATED PINOYS
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian said they will be extending necessary assistance to the families of two Filipino workers killed in Israel.
Gatchalian has directed Undersecretary for Operations Group Pinky Romualdez to get in touch with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and get the details of the families of the two Filipino migrant workers.
Gatchalian noted that no amount of money can relieve the sufferings of the families who lost their loved ones in the Hamas attack against Israel but he stressed that the DSWD will make sure that all possible assistance will be given to them.
Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez said financial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program is available to families of the two slain Filipinos.
In addition to receiving financial support, the families will be directed to their own regional offices where social workers will evaluate them and determine what services they will require in their hometowns.
There are some 30,000 Filipinos in Israel and 137 others live in the Gaza strip. Philippine News Agency, Jester Manalastas
