To hasten the repatriation of Filipinos in Israel amid its war with the Hamas militant group, Speaker Martin Romualdez on Saturday proposed sending mercy flights to Egypt and Jordan, the Jewish state’s neighbors, for overseas Pinoys’ safety and convenience.
Sought for comment, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said: “It is up to our top leaders to decide how best to execute the evacuation operations.”
At the same time, Romualdez vowed to contribute another P500,000 from his personal funds to assist the family of the third Filipino casualty in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Earlier, the Speaker and his wife, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, pledged a personal donation of P1 million to support the families of the first two Filipinos who tragically died during the hostilities.
According to Romualdez, mercy flights need not land directly in Israel, as alternative locations like Egypt or Jordan could be considered for the safety and convenience of OFWs.
The Speaker encouraged Filipinos in conflict areas to promptly contact the Philippine Embassy to facilitate their return and avoid any potential risks in the midst of the escalating conflict.
“The safety and welfare of Filipino citizens are paramount, and we are committed to working closely with the DFA, DMW, and other relevant authorities to ensure the swift and secure repatriation of our OFWs from the conflict areas,” the House of Representatives chief said.
Romualdez stressed the need for swift action by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers to bring home OFWs from Israel.
“What we’ve learned from DFA and credible news sources is that more than a hundred OFWs are eager to return to the Philippines,” Romualdez pointed out.
He added: “I am confident in the preparedness of our Armed Forces, with their C-130 aircraft at the ready to transport and bring our OFWs safely back home. But I believe the DFA and DMW have the necessary funds to facilitate the repatriation of our OFWs, enabling them to charter flights for this purpose.”
According to the latest information from the DFA, out of the 131 Filipinos in Gaza, 92 individuals have expressed their desire to return to the Philippines.
Additionally, at least 22 Filipinos have formally requested repatriation from Israel, highlighting the urgent need for action to ensure their safe return, Romualdez said.
In addition to financial aid, Romualdez is determined to help grieving families, actively seeking ways to provide job opportunities and scholarships, to ensure they have support to rebuild their lives after their tragedy.