MANILA, Philippines — There are now four Filipinos reported killed in the war between Israel and Hamas.
This after Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo confirmed on Thursday, October 19, 2023, that another Filipino died in the war.
“I regret to inform the nation that we have received confirmation from the Israeli government of another Filipino casualty in Israel,” said Manalo in a tweet.
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“Out of respect for the wishes of the family, we shall be withholding details on the identity of the victim. But we have assured the family of the Government’s full support and assistance,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a radio interview, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said the fourth Filipino fatality is a female caregiver who was killed on October 7.
“She is one of the three missing Filipinos. Israel has confirmed. According to their record or testing, she is one of those who died due to the attack on October 7. She works in the Kibbutz as a caregiver,” said de Vega over Radyo 630 on Thursday.
Two Filipinos remain unaccounted for as of October 19.
A second batch of around 20 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel is set to arrive in Manila today. The first batch of 16 arrived on Wednesday.
The repatriates will receive a P200,000 cash aid, P20,000 in funeral assistance, psychosocial support and educational assistance for those with children, according to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Honey Quiño.
There are around 30,000 Filipinos working in Israel, but most have opted not to take the flight back to the Philippines as they live far from the area of hostilities, mainly in Israel’s southern regions.
As for the Filipinos trapped in Gaza Strip, the government still awaits the opening of the Israeli-controlled Palestinian border, which may happen “any day now,” De Vega said.