DFA: 2 missing Pinoys believed among Hamas hostages

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipinos still missing are believed among the hostages being held by militant group Hamas as there is no sign that they are in Israel, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

“We cannot confirm that although Israel believes one of them is a male hostage,” said DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega.

The official said during a virtual press briefing Wednesday that the Philippines is talking to governments for help for the release of hostages.

“What we are doing for the hostages we will not reveal, other than confirming (that we are) talking to those who can help us,” De Vega said. “We are not talking to Hamas but we are talking to governments.”

The wife of the missing Filipino saw a video of her husband taken by Hamas.

The DFA has yet to comment on a report on the Israeli government’s confirmation that two Filipinos were among the hostages.

Silence

Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on Friday criticized President Marcos for staying silent on the war being waged by Israel against Hamas militants in Gaza Strip that has killed thousands of civilians.

“It has been 19 days of non-stop bombing of Gaza by Israel and the death toll has been horrendous,” Bayan president Renato Reyes said in a statement.

“The Marcos regime, to its shame, has been silent over the mass killings in Gaza,” he added.

Reyes said Israel’s genocide has killed at least 6,546 people, including 2,704 children and 1,584 women.

Reyes said health workers and journalists as well as their families were also killed in the conflict.

“It is imperative that the Philippine government condemn in no uncertain terms the genocide against Palestinians and stop giving any form of political and material support for the Israeli occupation,” he said.