By NG Seruela
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said that the Filipinos evacuated from Gaza Strip, Ashkelon, and Ashdod cannot be repatriated to the Philippines yet amid the escalating tension between Israel and Hamas.
In a Laging Handa public briefing on Monday (May 17), OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said that only an “in-country evacuation” is currently being conducted in the said affected areas.
“Sa kasalukuyan po ay nagsasagawa tayo ng assistance sa mga OFWs na kailangan ng tulong in terms of in-country evacuation… Ang immediately affected areas po ay Gaza Strip, and then ang dalawang malaking siyudad sa gitna ng Gaza at Tel-Aviv which are Ashkelon and Ashdod.”
He estimated that there are around 400 “directly affected OFWs,” of which 300 are residing in Ashkelon and Ashdod and 100 are living in the Gaza Strip.
Cacdac explained in a GMA News report on May 16 that a mass repatriation is not yet being conducted due to continuous rocket attacks and military operations of ground troops in the area.
He added in the public briefing that mass repatriation also cannot be conducted yet that is a move they are preparing if the situation worsens. Cacdac also said the international airport is closed.
“Ang mass repatriation po ay hindi pa natin isinasagawa, kasi ‘yan po ay pinaghahandaan natin in case na lumala pa ang sitwasyon. Sa kasulukuyan ay sarado rin ang international airport… Ipinagdarasal natin na hindi mag-e-escalate o lumala ang sitwasyon. If and when the situation escalates to further conflict or, God forbid, bloodshed, ay nandiyan na ang usaping mass repatriation.”
Cacdac said only a few overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are asking for assistance because they are advised to “stay indoors.” He gave assurance that the OFWs in Israel are “safe and sound” in their respective employers’ households.
Based on OWWA data, around 30,000 OFWs reside in Israel.
Cacdac said they have a rapid rescue team on standby to closely monitor the situation of the Filipinos and to ensure their security.
He reported that there are currently no reports of Filipino casualties or injuries amid the exchange of attacks between Israel and Hamas. –jlo
