Noralyn Babadilla, a Filipino worker who was held hostage by the Hamas militant group, has been freed and is now safely back in Israel, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This positive development comes just days after President Marcos expressed concern for Noralyn’s whereabouts.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), President Marcos expressed his happiness and announced Noralyn’s safe return. He also highlighted that Noralyn is the second Filipino to be released from Gaza. President Marcos further assured the nation that all Filipinos affected by the war between Israel and Hamas have been accounted for.
President Marcos acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and instructed them to attend to Noralyn’s needs in coordination with Israeli authorities. He also expressed his gratitude to the Israeli authorities for facilitating Noralyn’s release and for their assistance to Filipinos in Israel.
Additionally, President Marcos extended his appreciation to Egypt and the State of Qatar for their crucial role in the process that led to Noralyn’s freedom. Their involvement over the past several weeks has been instrumental in resolving the hostage situation.
Noralyn’s release follows the recent confirmation by President Marcos of the release of Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, another Filipino held hostage by Hamas. Both Noralyn and Jimmy were among the foreigners who were taken captive by the militant group on October 7.
This news brings relief and joy to Noralyn’s family, friends, and the Filipino community in Israel. It also serves as a testament to the collective efforts of various nations and authorities involved in securing the release of those held captive.
The safe return of Noralyn and Jimmy underscores the importance of international cooperation and diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts and ensuring the well-being of individuals affected by such situations. It is a reminder of the shared responsibility of nations to protect the rights and safety of their citizens, regardless of their location or circumstances.
As the situation in Israel and Gaza continues to evolve, it is crucial for governments and international organizations to work together to promote peace, stability, and the protection of human rights. The release of Noralyn Babadilla and Gelienor Pacheco is a step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done to address the underlying issues and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Let us celebrate Noralyn’s safe return and continue to support efforts that promote peace and harmony in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
