Marcos meets Pinoy survivors of Hamas attacks on Israel

MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Jimmy Pacheco and Camille Jesalva – survivors of the Oct. 7 attack of Palestinian militant group Hamas in Israel – epitomize the true Filipino trait of remaining devoted to their duties in the midst of danger, President Marcos has said.

Marcos welcomed Pacheco and Jesalva at Malacañang on Friday and expressed elation they returned home safely.

“Well, at least you’re home, Merry Christmas. Your experience was very difficult,” the President told the OFWs.

In a post on his official Facebook account on Friday night, Marcos hailed the Filipino survivors in the Israel-Hamas conflict and assured them, along with other OFWs, of continued government’s support, especially those who are in challenging situations.

“In the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Mr. Pacheco and Ms. Jesalva exemplified the true Filipino spirit – remaining devoted to their duties and filled with profound love for others,” the Chief Executive said.

“With their stories in our hearts, we pledge to stand by our modern-day heroes and ensure their safety in times of turmoil,” he said.

Pacheco, a caregiver in Israel, was held hostage by Hamas for 49 days and was one of two Filipinos captured by the Palestinian militant group during their Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel, that resulted in the death of more than 1,000 people.

He was among the first batch of hostages released by Hamas on Nov. 24, in exchange for the release of Palestinians from Israel prisons, as part of a truce.

Pacheco returned to the Philippines on Dec. 18.

In a statement on Friday night, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Pacheco recounted the attack to Marcos, of how their kibbutz was infiltrated by the group, who shot his Israeli ward to death.

He also told the President about his ordeal while in captivity together with other Israelis, and how they moved from one tunnel to another to avoid Israeli troops amid heavy bombardment.

Pacheco was hailed for his loyalty, not leaving behind his 80-year-old ward who was killed by Hamas militants when they barged into their house.

“My ward was like a father to me. That was why I consciously wanted to stay there,” Pacheco said in Filipino in an interview with Sen. Francis Tolentino on dzRH yesterday.

The Hamas tortured him by firing their automatic weapons near his ear to scare and deafen him with gunshots, the OFW recalled.

“On that day, I did not think I would still be alive because they murdered my ward right there in the room,” he said.

Pacheco said he survived eating a meager ration of dates and water during his captivity in Gaza.

Jesalva, a caregiver from Nueva Ecija, also gained the admiration of Israelis after her story was publicized, according to the PCO.

“The Israeli public admired her courage, dedication and loyalty as she refused to leave her employer, 95-year-old patient Nitza Hefetz, during Hamas’ onslaught,” the PCO said.

Jesalva and Hefetz were residing in Nirim Kibbutz on the Gaza-Israel border, which was attacked by Hamas.

Several militants entered their home and robbed Jesalva of her money, meant for her planned vacation in the Philippines, the PCO said.

They were later rescued by responding troops from the Israel Defense Forces.

Also present during the meeting were Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration director Arnel Ignacio.

Share your experience

The President urged the repatriates to share their experience with fellow Filipinos through writing or video messages.

“All repatriates should tell their stories... write or video,” Marcos said in Filipino.

“Tell your stories so people know what you went through,” he said, adding that Israelis love Filipinos.

Based on the latest report, a total of 413 OFWs from Israel have so far safely returned to the country since Hamas launched its attack on southern Israel in October.

Four Filipinos – three of them OFWs in Israel – were killed during the attack.

Back in his hometown in Sta. Ana, Cagayan after his repatriation, Pacheco said he plans to return to Israel this February to find work for his family, even though his wife Clarice asked him not to go.

“I need to. Besides, I’m still able,” Pacheco said.