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MANILA, Philippines—The International Organization for Migration is willing to pay the airfare of the 20 Palestinian spouses of Filipinas in Gaza, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Esteban Conejos said Tuesday.
"We continue to make representations with the authorities to allow the Palestinian husbands to leave for the Philippines…And IOM has agreed to shoulder the airfare of the Palestinian husbands," he said.
Asked how the Philippines will be able to accommodate them when the Philippines does not have bilateral relations with the Palestinian authority, he said the Philippines can issue them travel documents.
"We are looking at all aspects, including security… Israel must allow them to leave first. And we're sure that Israel has information on everybody in Gaza. In addition, we are doing our own background check," he said.
Conejos said the government has not given up on the possibility of leaving Gaza via Egypt.
He also said 91 Filipinos (17 Filipinas married to Palestinians and their children) have indicated their desire to leave the war-torn place.
"Other operations are being planned very, very carefully. Safety is the primary consideration. If conditions on the ground allow it, we will do so," he said.
Conejos said the first batch of 17 Filipino evacuees (three Filipinas and their children, and a Filipina nun who was left in Jerusalem) who arrived Friday evening is doing well.
"Two of them came to me and gave me a Red Ribbon cake. They thanked me and I told them the President specifically instructed us to give them this opportunity to leave Gaza," he said.
