Filipinos unaccounted for in war-torn Israel now at 7, says DFA

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza on Monday said seven Filipinos remain unaccounted for amid the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas.

Citing data from the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv, Daza said seven Filipinos are missing and cannot be contacted.

“Seven remain unaccounted for and cannot be contacted via their mobile numbers and social media accounts,” said Daza.

As of Monday afternoon, the foreign affairs official likewise bared that there were 29 Filipinos that were initially reported missing, but 22 have now been rescued by Israeli security forces, transferred to a safer area, and are housed in hotels.

“Of the 22, one is being treated at a hospital for moderate injuries sustained during the rescue. [Another] one was initially treated for smoke inhalation and was released after treatment and is now resting in a hotel in Tel Aviv. Both have been visited by the Embassy’s Labor Attaché and Welfare Officer, who provided assistance and essential supplies,” said Daza.

READ: Israeli forces rescue 8 OFWs near Gaza Strip

Daza also bared that a Filipina reached out to the Embassy and said that she recognized her husband in a video circulating on social media which shows a man being held by armed individuals, most likely brought to Gaza, but the DFA nor the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv have yet to confirm the veracity of this claim.

READ: Gov’t agencies enjoined to ensure safety of Filipinos in Israel

“Post urgently relayed this to the Israel military authorities. Post cannot independently verify his identity based on the video alone but considers the report of the wife as compelling. The Embassy is also working with community contacts on his case,” said Daza.

Meanwhile, all travel from the Philippines to Israel has been postponed until the situation has stabilized.

JPV