Over 20 Filipino officials in Israel amid airstrikes, says Israeli envoy

Over 20 Filipinos on official travel are in Israel amid airstrikes and the country’s conflict with Iran, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss said on Tuesday.

Fluss said that at least 17 local government officials of the Philippines were in the country on an official visit, along with a separate team on a study on dairy farming when the strikes occurred.

“About 17 mayors and local government representatives, then a few from the dairy industry. So altogether, we have 22 in Israel. I have to say that from what I see, they are feeling okay,” Fluss said.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv said there were 21 Filipino officials in Israel– 17 who attended an agricultural technology training that started on June 10 and was supposed to end on June 20, and four dairy industry specialists of the Department of Agriculture.

“All of them have been taken care of by the Israeli government, and we are also looking for ways to send them back to the Philippines. This is our responsibility and our commitment… I can tell you that they are getting fed, lodging, and whatever they need. We are catering for, and I know that they are doing fine. Of course, it's not a pleasant situation,” Fluss said.

“This is a complicated situation for anybody who is now in Israel,” he added.

House members?

The House of Representatives said it was closely coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the possible presence of some of its members in Israel.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said two legislators who were scheduled to fly to Israel cancelled their travel plans.

Velasco identified San Jose del Monte City Rep Florida Robes and Batangas 4th district Rep Lianda Bolilia as the two members of the House of Representatives who sought a travel clearance to fly to Israel.

Velasco furnished the media a copy of Bolilia’s letter rescinding her request for a travel clearance.

Robes, on the other hand, told GMA Integrated News that, “Nope-I did not go. Natakot ako (I got scared).”

Velasco, however, cannot confirm at this time that there are no members of the House of Representatives in Israel right now.

“We can't confirm that at this time because it is possible that some House members may have included Israel in their travel itinerary en route to Europe or back to Manila," Velasco said.

"We are closely coordinating with the DFA,” he added.

Repatriation

The Israeli ambassador also said that their government is now working on the repatriation of the Filipinos.

Fluss said that the Israeli government was coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and other relevant government agencies in exploring other possible routes in able for the Filipinos to return home.  

“We are doing our best to get them out as soon and as early as possible. There are different routes. You have to understand that we are under fire… So, airspace in Israel is closed for protection and safety. We are trying to facilitate the way out because there are other countries in the region,” he said.

“It's not only about buying a ticket. It's a lot of coordination between governments and countries, and this is exactly what we are trying to do now. I really hope that very soon we can announce that they are on the way home, but we're not there yet,” he continued.

Committed support

Meanwhile, Fluss said that the Filipinos injured in the airstrikes would receive full medical support and compensation from the Israeli government.

“There is no doubt that the Israeli government is committed to anybody who is in Israel, to support them, the same as we did before… There is no discrimination and no difference if you are an Israeli or a foreigner. If you get injured or unfortunately, murdered in such actions by terrorism, then the Israeli government is here,” said Fluss.

He also shared that Israel and the Philippines had a government-to-government arrangement that ensured the welfare of Filipinos working in Israel.

“The channels of communication are open, as they should be between two friendly countries. Not only friendly, but good friends and close allies. So, we are in a very constructive dialogue in order to find solutions,” Fluss said.  

The office of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv is currently closed per the guidelines of the Israel Defense Forces.

Filipinos may still call the following emergency contact numbers in Israel:

Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv

+972 54-4661188

Migrant Workers’ Office

+972 50-7622590

Overseas Welfare Office

+972 50-7156937

—With Michaela del Callar/VAL/NB, GMA Integrated News