Filipinos caught in the ongoing clashes between Hamas rebels and Israeli forces have been evacuated, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's Hans Leo Cacdac said Sunday.
“We have in-country evacuation in at least three affected areas,” Cacdac said in an interview over “Dobol B TV.”
Filipinos in Gaza Strip itself as well as those in the cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod have been moved to safer areas, Cacdac said.
He did not give a figure as to how many have been evacuated, but said there have been no reported casualties among Filipinos in the conflict-stricken areas.
Earlier, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the Philippines is ready to facilitate the emergency repatriation of Filipinos in Israel.
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“We are preparing for Filipinos’ possible repatriation and they are given a warning to stay safe because of the escalating tensions in Israel and its occupied territory,” Roque said.
Roque said the government would go on a special mission to fetch distressed Filipinos “if need be.”
A total 29,473 Filipinos are currently working and residing in Israel.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv advised the Filipino community in Israel to stay vigilant and postpone or cancel travel plans to places near the border of Gaza.
In case of emergency, the embassy may be reached at +972.54.466.1188. Affected Filipinos may also contact the Israeli authorities at 100 (Police), 101 (Ambulance or Emergency Service), 102 (Fire), 104 (Home Front Command), 106/107/108 (Municipality Call Center).