Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Gaza, October 7, 2023. (REUTERS)
MANILA, Philippines — No request for repatriation has so far been received amid rising tension and violence in Israel, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said on Monday.
“No requests [for repatriation] so far. This conflict between Israel and Hamas is something which Filipinos in the area are used to. There is this cycle of escalation of hostilities, then end, then back. Filipinos are resilient,” De Vega told INQUIRER.net.
De Vega, however, said they are always ready and willing to assist Filipinos who wish to be repatriated.
The Palestinian Hamas group over the weekend attacked Israeli targets which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries.
De Vega said the Philippine Embassy is verifying reports that a Filipino caregiver was among those who were captured by the attackers.
“Our Embassy is verifying such reports,” said de Vega.
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