26 Pinoys may be repatriated from Israel this weekend — DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said 26 Filipinos may be repatriated from Israel this weekend amid its ongoing conflict with Iran.

In Nimfa Ravelo’s Super Radyo dzBB report, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the Filipinos could exit Israel via border crossing into Jordan since flight operations are currently  suspended.

26 na Pilipino na nagpapalikas mula sa Israel, maaaring makauwi ng Pilipinas ngayong weekend — @DFAPHL | via @nimfaravelo pic.twitter.com/ib0BR3iYyC

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 18, 2025

They are among the 150 Filipinos who have expressed willingness to leave Israel.

Meanwhile, the DFA is arranging the repatriation of 17 Filipinos who want to leave Iran.

The Philippine Embassy in Tehran is also working on sending its non-essential diplomatic staff back to the country.

According to the DFA, repatriation is difficult since the airports are closed and exit options via land borders to neighboring countries from the Islamic Republic will be longer due to the worsening situation in the region.

De Vega said the identities of the 17 Filipino government officials are confidential.

An earlier report noted that congressmen, mayors, vice mayors, and members of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Agriculture were among the officials.

The public officials are in Israel for a study visit at the invitation of the Israeli government.

The House of Representatives said no incumbent lawmaker is stranded in Israel.

It is still unclear if the said Filipino officials are among those who will be repatriated this weekend.

Israeli coordination 

Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, held a meeting with Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Deputy Ambassador Ester Buzgan and Consular Officer Luisa Arino regarding coordination and a “better understanding” of the situation of Filipino citizens in Israel.

Fluss assured that his government was committed to the safety and welfare of OFWs and other Filipinos in Israel, and discussed Operation Rising Lion as a self-defense and removal of threats to the Jewish state.

“Israel is in an emergency situation which has an impact on lives of Israelis and non-Israeli living in the country,” Fluss said in a statement.

Cacdac and Fluss also discussed repatriation efforts for OFWs who wish to leave Israel.

“In challenging times, the Embassy remains a trusted partner, standing in solidarity with the Filipino people and ready to extend meaningful support to them and their families,” the statement added. —RF, GMA Integrated News