Marcos Jr. thanks Israel for helping Filipino amid regional conflict

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos thanked the Israeli government for extending immediate support to Filipinos amid the ongoing fighting between Israeli forces and Iranian-backed militants.

“I wish to express our gratitude to Israel for the care and support extended to Filipinos working and living in your country,” Marcos told Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a phone conversation on Wednesday.

Marcos also expressed hopes for a swift end to conflict in the region.

Israel remains one of the Philippines’ trusted bilateral partners in the Middle East, according to the Chief Executive.

Last week, Marcos ordered concerned government agencies to mobilize all available assets to ensure the safety and timely repatriation of affected Filipinos in the Middle East.

Speaking at the 19th East Asia Summit in Laos last week, Marcos joined other regional leaders in voicing concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and rising tensions in the Middle East.

DSWD to aid OFWs

The Department of Social Welfare and Development assured the 47 repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were expected to arrive yesterday from Lebanon that they will get financial assistance from the agency.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said they are coordinating with other national government agencies to assist with the ongoing repatriation of OFWs from Lebanon amid the rising tensions in the region.

According to her, the aid that will be given to the migrant workers will come from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Beirut, Lebanon is coordinating with Lebanese authorities to expedite the release of exit clearances for undocumented Filipinos to join the chartered flight departing the country in the next few days.

The embassy advised Filipinos to prepare their passports and their residency permits or iqamas for the repatriation flight.

The Filipinos are also strongly urged to avail themselves of the voluntary repatriation program considering the worsening security situation in the country. –  Delon Porcalla, Pia Lee-Brago

given to the migrant workers will come from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program.

Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Beirut, Lebanon is coordinating with Lebanese authorities to expedite the release of exit clearances for undocumented Filipinos to join the chartered flight departing the country in the next few days.

The embassy advised Filipinos to prepare their passports and their residency permits or iqamas for the repatriation flight.

The Filipinos are also strongly urged to avail themselves of the voluntary repatriation program considering the worsening security situation in the country. –  Delon Porcalla, Pia Lee-Brago