People walk around the ruins of a building destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City on October 8, 2023. Fighting between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas raged on October 8, with hundreds killed on both sides after a surprise attack on Israel prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to warn they were “embarking on a long and difficult war.” (Photo by Mohammed ABED / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Sunday said that concerned government agencies are working overtime to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families in Israel, where the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas launched a deadly attack last Saturday.
“Today, I join voices from around the world in strongly condemning the heartbreaking attacks against innocent civilians in Israel. The devastation and loss suffered by families during such significant moments of reverence are beyond words,” Romualdez said in a statement on Sunday.
“To our Filipino brothers and sisters living or working in Israel, my thoughts are with you. The Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Migrant Workers (DMW) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are now working overtime to ensure your safety and well-being,” he added.
Romualdez likewise told OFWs to remain vigilant as he urged involved parties in the recent conflict to reach a “peaceful resolution.”
“It is a reminder that the path of violence only deepens wounds and rifts. I urge all involved parties, especially the militant rulers of Hamas, to pave a way toward a peaceful resolution. The history of this region has seen enough bloodshed; sustainable peace is the only way forward,” Romualdez said.
“I align myself with the sentiments of global leaders and advocates for peace, emphasizing that dialogue and understanding are paramount. True change can only be achieved when we respect and protect the rights of civilians, as stipulated under international law,” he added.
Earlier, the DFA said no Filipino casualty was reported, so far.
The OWWA said it is closely monitoring the situation of about 24,807 Filipinos in Israel, including 200 OFWs in the Gaza Strip.
The DMW, meantimr, said it set up a hotline in coordination with OWWA to assist affected Filipinos in Israel and their families in the Philippines.
They may call +63 2 1348 or WhatsApp and Viber numbers +63 9083268344, +63 9271478186, and +639205171059 to ask for help from Philippine authorities.