MANILA, Philippines: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has successfully repatriated 136 out of the 137 Filipinos who sought to leave Gaza, where fighting erupted between the Hamas group and the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) late last year. This effort demonstrates the commitment of the Philippine government to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs, Eduardo José de Vega, informed that the only remaining Filipino citizen in Gaza is a Filipino nun who has made the courageous decision to stay. The Philippine Embassy in Amman is closely monitoring her situation, ensuring her safety and providing any necessary assistance.
On Wednesday morning, Feb. 21, 2024, the last batch of 14 Filipinos fleeing the war-torn Palestinian territory arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Manila office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) joined the DFA-OUMWA in warmly welcoming the repatriates, providing them with the necessary support to start anew.
“We are pleased to know that they safely arrived today in the Philippines,” said De Vega. “As with our past repatriates from Gaza, the DFA, through the Philippine Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, provided welfare assistance to the families who arrived today. We hope that it can help them start over.”
This successful repatriation marks the eighth time that the DFA-OUMWA has facilitated such an operation since the conflict between Hamas and the IDF began on Oct. 7, 2023. The DFA-OUMWA worked closely with the Philippine Embassies in Cairo, Amman (Jordan), and Doha (Qatar) to coordinate the repatriation process, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Filipinos involved.
De Vega emphasized, “Welcoming the repatriates is the final step in the DFA-OUMWA’s comprehensive assistance to distressed Filipinos and their families arriving from conflict areas. By doing so, we assure them that they are now safe in the Philippines.”
This repatriation operation is a testament to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive issued last year to guarantee the safety of all Filipinos in Gaza. The Philippine government remains committed to protecting its citizens and ensuring their well-being, regardless of the challenges faced in conflict zones.
The successful repatriation of the Filipinos from Gaza is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Filipino people. It highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts and international cooperation in times of crisis. The DFA’s swift action and coordination with various embassies and organizations have brought relief to the repatriates and their families.
As the Filipino nun bravely remains in Gaza, her decision serves as a reminder of the diverse ways individuals respond to challenging situations. The Philippine Embassy in Amman continues to closely monitor her situation, providing the necessary support and assistance.
The repatriation efforts not only ensure the safety of Filipinos in conflict areas but also demonstrate the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of its citizens abroad. The DFA-OUMWA’s continuous support and assistance to distressed Filipinos and their families reflect the government’s dedication to serving its people.
In conclusion, the successful repatriation of the Filipinos from Gaza showcases the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring their well-being. The DFA’s efforts, in collaboration with various embassies and organizations, have brought relief to the repatriates and their families. The remaining Filipino citizen in Gaza, the brave Filipino nun, continues to receive support and monitoring from the Philippine Embassy in Amman. This operation exemplifies the resilience and strength of the Filipino people in the face of adversity.
Source: The Manila Times
