Filipinos unaccounted for in war-torn Israel now at 7, says DFA

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign Affairs spokesperson Teresita Daza said Monday that seven Filipinos remain missing amid the ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas.

Citing data from the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, Daza said seven Filipinos are missing and cannot be contacted.

“Seven are still missing and cannot be contacted through their mobile numbers and social media accounts,” Daza said.

On Monday afternoon, the foreign ministry official also announced that there were 29 Filipinos who were initially reported missing, but 22 have now been rescued by Israeli security forces, moved to a safer area and housed in hotels.

“Of the 22, one is being treated in a hospital for moderate injuries sustained during the rescue. (Another) individual was initially treated for smoke inhalation and was released after treatment and is now resting in a Tel Aviv hotel. Both were visited by the Embassy’s Labor Attaché and Welfare Officer, who provided assistance and essential supplies,” Daza said.

READ: Israeli forces rescue 8 OFWs near Gaza Strip

Daza also revealed that a Filipina contacted the embassy and said she recognized her husband in a video circulating on social media, showing a man being held by armed individuals, most likely taken to Gaza, but neither the DFA nor the Philippine Embassy in Tel. Aviv has yet to confirm the veracity of this claim.

READ: Government agencies are obligated to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Israel

“Post has urgently reported this to the Israeli military authorities. Post cannot independently verify his identity based on the video alone, but considers the woman’s report compelling. The embassy is also working with community contacts on his case,” Daza said.

Meanwhile, all travel from the Philippines to Israel has been postponed until the situation stabilizes.

JPV