Department of Foreign Affairs. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza confirmed on Monday that several Filipinos in the Gaza Strip have expressed desire to be repatriated amid the Israel-Hamas armed conflict.
In a text message to reporters, Daza said the Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan received these requests for repatriation.
“Numbers may change as some are still undecided, but as of date [there are] 25 who have signified their intention [and] informed post they want to leave Gaza,” said Daza.
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The foreign affairs official noted that there are 137 Filipinos residing in the Gaza Strip.
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In a separate statement, Daza said the Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to confirm Filipino casualties amid the conflict.
She, however, noted that six Filipinos remain unaccounted for. These individuals are missing and “cannot be contacted via their mobile and social media accounts.”
“The Embassy is working non-stop with Israeli security authorities and community contacts to ascertain their condition. We continue to await feedback from them,” said Daza.