OWWA visits Pinoys in Israel hospital

Personnel from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) visited some Filipinos in a hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, the Philippine Embassy said on Monday.

“Binisita ng OWWA Team ng Embahada ang ilan nating mga kababayan nating ginagamot sa ospital o kasalukuyang nagpapagaling sa pangangalaga ng ating mga [Filipino Community] leaders,” the embassy said. 

(The Embassy's OWWA team visited several Filipinos who are being treated in the hospital or are currently recovering under the care of our Filipino Community leaders.]

Aside from this, the agency also gave the concerned Filipinos relief packages and legal assistance to claim benefits. 

“Kinumusta ni OWWA Welfare Officer Karen Padduyao ang kanilang kalagayan at dinalhan sila relief packages. Tinutulungan din sila ng abogado ng OWWA upang makuha ang kanilang karampatang mga benepisyo,” the embassy said. 

(OWWA Welfare Officer Karen Padduyao checked on their situation and brought them relief packages. OWWA lawyers are also assisting them to obtain their benefits.) 

OWWA made the visit following the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran. 

According to the Philippine Embassy in Israel as of Sunday, one Filipino is still in critical condition after sustaining severe and life-threatening injuries. 

She underwent two surgeries and is being treated at the ICU of Shamir Medical Center, one of Israel's most advanced hospitals. 

Meanwhile, seven other Filipinos have been discharged after receiving treatment for minor to moderate injuries.

A total of 149 Pinoys lost their homes due to missile impact, 131 have been transferred to temporary housing accommodations and Department of Migrant Workers’ shelters, while 18 are being processed for resettlement.

For repatriation, 26 overseas Filipino workers have undergone voluntary repatriation while another 100 Filipino pilgrims and students have been repatriated.

The next batch for repatriation includes 75 Filipinos. 

A total 567 Filipinos have received various forms of assistance, such as emergency financial assistance, provision of temporary shelter, and relief packages containing food, clothes and hygiene products. 

Also, 201 more have received psychosocial support and counseling.

Alert Level 3 was raised in Israel on June 20, which means Filipinos are encouraged to undergo voluntary repatriation. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA Integrated News