Most Filipinos in Israel declining repatriation offers

Despite ongoing conflict in Israel, only a small number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are opting for government-assisted repatriation, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said that while nearly 300 Filipinos in Israel initially signed up for repatriation, only 50 confirmed their intent to return. Of that number, just 20 will actually be flying home this week.

"Ang nag-signup sa Israel mga almost 300. Sa 300 na iyon, mga 50 lang ang gustong umuwi. Ngayon sa 50 na iyon, 20 ang uuwi na," De Vega said in an interview in Unang Balita on Thursday.

(Around 300 signed up in Israel. Of those, only about 50 really want to come home. And now, just 20 are set to return.)

The latest batch will be flying out directly from Israel, a change from earlier plans to route them through Amman, Jordan. Separately, 102 Filipinos from Iran are expected to arrive in the Philippines by Friday after transiting through Turkmenistan.

"May mga 20 na i-uuwi pero sa airport mismo ng Israel at hindi na idadaan sa Amman... Mayroon ding uuwi, mga 102 galing Iran, probably bukas," he said.

(About 20 will return directly from Israel instead of passing through Amman... Another group of 102 from Iran will likely return tomorrow.)

According to De Vega, the repatriation expenses are being shouldered by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and coordinated with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

When asked why more Filipinos are choosing to stay, De Vega explained that most OFWs have adapted to the situation and feel relatively secure, especially after a temporary ceasefire was declared in parts of the region.

"Kahit anong bagong ceasefire, karamihan gustong maiwan... 'Yung mga bago lang doon ang nababahala," he said.

(Even with a new ceasefire, most want to stay... It’s mostly the newer arrivals who are worried.)

In Iran, most OFWs have family ties, further reducing the desire to return.

"Sa Iran naman, dahil may Iranian family sila, wala silang balak umuwi," he added.

(In Iran, because they have Iranian families, they have no plans to return.)

One Filipina in Israel remains in critical condition from a previous airstrike, but De Vega said no other recent injuries have been reported among OFWs.

Despite damages to homes, affected Filipinos have since been relocated by Israeli authorities, and none are currently staying in bomb shelters or living on the streets.

"Merong nawalan ng bahay, lagpas 100, na-resettle sila ng Israel... Wala naman tayong Pilipino na natutulog sa kalsada, mga okay naman sila," he assured.
(More than 100 lost their homes, but they were resettled by Israel... None of our nationals are sleeping on the streets. They’re okay.)

In Iran, meanwhile, many OFWs who had earlier evacuated from Tehran to the provinces are now returning to the capital, according to the Philippine ambassador there.

Although the Philippine Air Force has expressed readiness to assist in repatriation efforts, De Vega said commercial flights remain the preferred option due to the limited capacity of military transport.

He also emphasized that despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high in both Israel and Iran, and Alert Level 3 will remain in place for now.

"Inaasahan pa rin natin kaya nasa alert level 3 pa rin ang Israel at Iran. Hindi natin basta-basta maibababa iyan," De Vega said.

(We still anticipate potential unrest, which is why Israel and Iran remain under Alert Level 3. We can’t lower it just yet.)

The DFA continues to monitor the situation and said it stands ready to assist more Filipinos should the need arise. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News