(Editor’s Note: The Manila Times is reposting the story to correct the embassy that issued the passport. We regret the error.)
MANILA, Philippines: The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, has stepped forward to assist Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, a Filipino caregiver, by issuing him a new passport so that he can return to his home country.
Pacheco’s passport and personal belongings were tragically destroyed when Hamas militants attacked Israel and burned down the house where he was employed.
After receiving medical care at the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center, Pacheco, who is 33 years old, was deemed to be in good health and fit for discharge by Israeli doctors. The Philippine Embassy is now in the process of preparing his new passport, enabling him to reunite with his wife and three children in the Philippines, just in time for Christmas.
Pacheco was taken captive on October 7 when Hamas fighters attacked the southern border of Gaza on the Israeli side. Unfortunately, his 80-year-old patient was among those who lost their lives in the incident.
Prior to his release, Deputy Chief of Mission Anthony Achilles Mandap and other embassy officials visited Pacheco at the hospital to provide support and assistance.
Following his release, embassy officials accompanied Pacheco to his designated accommodation, where he will spend the next few days recuperating and reconnecting with his family. Understanding his longing for home-cooked Filipino meals, the embassy thoughtfully brought him clothes and his favorite dishes, such as chicken adobo and pinakbet. Pacheco shared that he had lost 11 kilos during his 49 days of captivity.
Upon his arrival in Manila, Pacheco will receive initial financial assistance from the embassy’s DMW-OWWA (Department of Migrant Workers-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) team, as well as additional benefits to aid in his recovery from the traumatic experience.
The embassy is committed to taking care of Pacheco’s immediate needs and supporting him as he continues to heal from his ordeal. In light of this, they kindly request that the public and media respect his privacy and allow him the necessary time to recover in private.
The Israeli government has also extended its support to Pacheco and his immediate family. They will receive lifetime social security benefits and regular stipends, similar to those provided to Israeli victims of terrorist attacks, as announced by the embassy earlier.
In a show of solidarity, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen visited Pacheco at the Yitzhak Shamir Medical Center the day after his release from captivity in Gaza. Cohen expressed his joy at Pacheco’s freedom, describing it as a “happy day for Israel and the Philippines.”
As this heartwarming story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and support during times of crisis. The actions taken by the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli government demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of their citizens, regardless of borders. Let us continue to stand together in solidarity and support those who have endured such challenging circumstances.
Source: The Manila Times
