By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippine government on Friday asked Tel Aviv to treat humanely the overstaying Filipinos scheduled for deportation from Israel.
“While the Philippines respects Israeli laws, it reiterates its request for the Israeli government to treat overstaying Filipinos in a humane and sensitive manner, since children may be involved,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement issued through Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez.
The DFA also called on Filipinos in Israel “to observe the host country’s laws.”
The department did not identify the number of Filipino workers and their children who will be deported but estimates from local reports say there are about 100.
“The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel is already coordinating with the Population and Border Authority (PIBA) to facilitate the repatriation of overstaying Filipinos and their families,” it said. “PIBA will provide repatriation tickets to those who are endorsed by the Embassy.”
Meanwhile, the DFA assured its readiness to provide the necessary assistance to the affected Filipinos, and that it is working with other government agencies on the reintegration program for those who will be repatriated.
Affected Filipinos, meanwhile, have been requested to proceed to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv to receive an orientation on the repatriation program, as well as government reintegration services.
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