DFA: Last Filipino released by Hamas now in Tel-Aviv hospital

Department of Foreign Affairs. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Sixty-year-old Noralin Babadilla, the second and last Filipino national held captive by the militant group Hamas, is now staying at a hospital in Tel Aviv, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said.

“[Siya ay] nasa hospital sa Tel-Aviv tulad ng ibang mga bihag – kapag pinakawalan at pinalaya, dadalhin siya sa hospital for a few days,” the DFA official said in an interview over Radyo 630 on Wednesday.

(She is in a hospital in Tel Aviv like other captives – when released and freed, they will be taken to the hospital for a few days.)

READ: Bongbong Marcos: Gov’t secured last Filipino held by Hamas in Gaza

De Vega added that the Philippine Ambassador in Tel Aviv will visit Babadilla on Wednesday afternoon to check how she is doing.

De Vega surmised that it might take time for Babadilla to recover from “emotional trauma,” similar to Jimmy Pacheco, the other Filipino national whom Hamas took hostage in Gaza.

But he also said he was confident that the two Filipinos would recuperate.

In a separate statement issued Wednesday morning, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said they welcome Babadilla’s release from captivity.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the mediation efforts of the State of Qatar that led to the release of Ms Babadilla and previously of Mr. Jimmy Pacheco,” she said.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the State of Israel for agreeing to the conditions which facilitated the release of more hostages, including Ms Babadilla, and for all their assistance they have provided our nationals in Israel,” she added.

All Filipinos in Israel are now accounted for, according to the government.