Dozens of stranded Filipino tourists in Israel have sought assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, but authorities admitted it may prove difficult at the moment due to closures of airspaces in the region.
Ambassador Aileen Mendiola said that at least 50 Filipinos wish assistance in going home to Manila but Philippine authorities has not yet decided on implementing repatriation procedures.
The embassy advised that while Ben Gurion International Airport remains open and travel from Israel to the Philippines continues, those with confirmed flights are advised to check with their airlines for possible cancellations.
The advisory however contradicts announcements that the airport is closed and that there are no flights to Manila until at least March 3.
Israel is a popular pilgrimage destination to middle class Christian Filipinos.
Mendiola said that no overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has asked the Embassy for help even as authorities have confirmed the death of a Filipina caregiver in Israel, the first casualty in Israel and the US’ war against Iran.
Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged in a recorded video message on Sunday evening de Vera’s death and promised “full assistance” to the victim’s family.
Marcos said de Vera’s remains had been identified by her widower who also works in Israel.
The caregiver was reportedly bringing her elderly employer to a bomb shelter when hit by shrapnel from an Iranian missile.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) secretary Hans Leo Cacdac meanwhile announced their agency is actively preparing for and conducting voluntary repatriation for Filipinos.
Voluntary repatriation (Alert Level 3) is currently in effect for several countries in the region including Israel, Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq.
Cacdac said that mandatory evacuation (Alert Level 4) would require official Department of Foreign Affairs approval.
Meanwhile, 57 Abu Dhabi-bound OFW stranded at Hong Kong International Airport have returned to Manila early Monday, the DMW announced. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
