Comelec indefinitely suspends OFW voter registration in war-torn Israel

Rockets are fired by Palestinian militants into Israel, in Gaza City Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by MOHAMMED ED SALEM / Reuters)

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has indefinitely suspended the voter registration of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel due to its war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Comelec said it approved the suspension during its en banc session on Wednesday.

“We do not want to sacrifice the lives and safety of our fellow Filipinos. The suspension will be indefinite, and we are not yet thinking if we will extend it. What’s important is the protection and welfare of Filipinos, especially those in Israel,” Comelec chief George Garcia said in Filipino in a statement.

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Before the suspension, the overseas voter registration for the May 2025 national and local elections resumed on Dec. 9, 2022, and would have lasted until Sept. 30, 2024.

Comelec said it would still discuss plans for an extension.

ATM