Speaker urges swift repatriation for OFWs impacted by conflict

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday called for the swift repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing armed conflict between Israeli forces and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

At the same time, he vowed to contribute another P500,000 from his personal funds to assist the family of the third Filipino casualty in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Speaker and Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez had earlier collectively pledged a personal donation of P1 million, or P500,000 each, to support the families of the initial two Filipinos who lost their lives during the hostilities.

Expressing deep concern for the safety and well-being of Filipino citizens abroad, the Speaker stressed the need for swift action by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to facilitate the return of OFWs from Israel and the Hamas-run Gaza strip.

“What we’ve learned from DFA and credible news sources is that more than a hundred OFWs are eager to return. 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. 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,” Romualdez said.

According to the DFA, out of the 131 Filipinos in Gaza, 92 individuals have expressed their desire to return to the Philippines. In Israel, at least 22 Filipinos have formally requested for repatriation, highlighting the urgent need for action to ensure their safe return.

The Speaker noted that 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 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 chief said.

At least three Filipinos, working as caregivers, lost their lives in the hostilities – a 42-year-old man from Pampanga who was apprehended by Hamas militants, a 33-year-old woman from Pangasinan who lost her life alongside her employer and a 49-year-old Negrense who attended the music festival that was targeted by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.

In addition to the financial aid, the Speaker is seeking ways to provide job opportunities and scholarships to the family members of the three.

Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross chairman and chief executive officer Richard Gordon asked all nations to respect the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas.

“We call on all nations to respect IHL to the utmost,” Gordon said following reports that five members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) have died.

As of Oct. 12, he said, ambulance driver of Israel’s Magen David Adom – the country’s national emergency service provider – and four paramedics from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society lost their lives in the line of duty.

He stressed that the IHL principles mandate the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts. “Pillage, reprisals, indiscriminate destruction of property and the taking of hostages are prohibited,” he added.

“Health care must not be disrupted and put in danger even during times of emergencies and all providers of health care (and) emergency medical responders must be protected,” Gordon said. — Jose Rodel Clapano