A total of 223 Filipinos in Israel have so far expressed their intent to be repatriated as tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Iran, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday.
“Of the 223 who initially requested repatriation, only 26 have so far confirmed and are currently being processed,” the DFA said in a statement.
Five Filipinos were assisted in crossing into Jordan last Thursday.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo de Vega stated that the agency, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers, is preparing to repatriate the 26 confirmed individuals next week.
The DFA earlier urged Filipinos in both Israel and Iran to consider returning home, after the government raised Alert Level 3 in both countries, signaling the availability of voluntary repatriation.
As of now, 88 Filipinos have lost their homes due to missile strikes in Israel and are being housed in temporary shelters. The displaced include an infant born on June 10.
Meanwhile, 311 Filipinos have received various forms of aid, such as emergency financial support, shelter, and basic necessities.
The conflict intensified on June 13 when Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with ballistic missile attacks.