Over 50 OFWs up for repatriation from Israel amid rising tensions —PH envoy

As tensions flare once again in Israel following missile strikes and heightened regional hostilities, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola confirmed that at least 50 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are set for voluntary repatriation, with 26 already successfully escorted out through the Jordanian border. 

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB on Monday, Mendiola said that another round of missile alerts forced Filipinos in affected areas to rush into bomb shelters. 

“Oo, kalalabas lang namin sa bomb shelter… Just after 3, nagkaroon ng alert na naman,” she said

(Yes, we just came out of the bomb shelter… Just after 3 p.m., another alert was issued.)

Despite the danger, many Filipinos remain hesitant to return to the Philippines due to economic concerns. 

“Isa sa mga naging difficulty namin 'yung nagbabagong-isip sa mga kababayan natin… Kasi 'pag babalik na sila, end of contract na,” she explained.

(One of the difficulties we face is the constant change of mind among our nationals… Because returning home means the end of their contracts.)

The embassy has been coordinating closely with community leaders to finalize repatriation lists and secure transit visas to Jordan, where OFWs are temporarily hosted before flying home. 

“Ang request namin, total 253. Confirmed namin is 50 na susunod i-repatriate,” she said. (We requested a total of 253 for repatriation. We have confirmed 50 who will be the next batch.)

Following renewed conflict involving the United States and Iran, the Israeli Home Front Command reimposed strict mobility restrictions, halting work, schools, and public gatherings. Mendiola confirmed that Filipinos, especially caregivers, are heavily affected.

Of the 127 OFWs displaced by recent missile strikes, 118 have already been resettled by Israeli authorities, while 32 were recently evacuated from a nursing home hit by collateral damage. “Buti na lang nakapasok sila sa ground shelter so they’re all safe,” Mendiola said. (Thankfully, they were able to take shelter underground and are all safe.)

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also provided alternative shelter options, especially for those hesitant to stay in government-designated relocation sites.

As of the latest count, eight OFWs were reported injured. Seven have since been discharged, while one remains in critical condition after undergoing two operations.

Mendiola emphasized that communication lines remain stable in Israel. Families in the Philippines can still contact their loved ones via mobile apps and traditional calls. “Yung internet at telephone lines, okay. Walang palya,” she said. (The internet and telephone lines are working fine.)

She urged the public to monitor the official Facebook page PH in Israel and shared the embassy’s hotline numbers:

• +972-544-661-188
• +972-50911-4017

To streamline operations and ensure the safety of repatriates, Mendiola appealed to Filipinos to finalize their decisions. 

“'Pag nagsabi kayong gusto ninyo, huwag na kayong mag-back out para maisara na 'yung listahan,” she said. (If you say you want to be repatriated, please don’t back out so we can finalize the list.)

She acknowledged the fear among OFWs, many of whom endure daily missile alerts.

“Siyempre mananalangin ka na sana, you live another day,” she said. (Of course, you just pray you get to live another day.)

Iran and Israel are currently at Alert Level 3 following armed hostilities between the two countries. Crisis level 3 or voluntary repatriation phase is imposed by the Philippine government on countries with deteriorating security conditions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs advised Filipinos in either country to consider repatriation to avoid getting caught in hostile exchanges between the two Middle Eastern countries. —KG, GMA Integrated News