POEA Imposes Ban on OFW Deployment to Israel

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has implemented a complete ban on sending Filipino workers to conflict-stricken areas in Israel due to the risks associated with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which began with a surprise attack by the Palestinian Islamist group on civilians in southern Israel on Saturday.

On Tuesday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Officer in Charge, Leo Hans Cacdac, stated, “No deployment as of now,” emphasizing that the current focus is on the safety and security of Filipinos in Israel, particularly in the Gaza Strip and Tel Aviv.

Cacdac mentioned that the government is prepared to execute a mandatory evacuation and repatriation of Filipinos in Israel who wish to return home if the situation necessitates it.

“We are simply awaiting the advisory from the government of Israel. We must consider safety and security concerns if we discuss mass repatriation,” Cacdac explained in Filipino. “In due course, in coordination with Israeli authorities, we will evacuate and repatriate those who wish to return home.”

Cacdac noted that most Filipinos in the Gaza Strip were not overseas workers but rather the wives of Palestinians. He added that they, along with their families, also expressed a desire for repatriation if required.

He reassured the families of Filipinos in conflict-affected areas that they are safe and being looked after by the Philippine Embassy in undisclosed, secure shelter locations.

“Those rescued by the Philippine Embassy are being cared for by welfare officers and labor attaché. They are in undisclosed rescue areas and are receiving the necessary assistance,” Cacdac affirmed.

Regarding the seven missing Filipino workers, Cacdac stated that their families have already been informed of the situation in Israel, including the case of one OFW reportedly taken hostage by Hamas militants.

In the meantime, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Tuesday that the number of Filipinos in Gaza who wish to be repatriated has increased from 25 to 38 as Israeli forces intensify efforts against the Hamas militant group.

The Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan, reported that there are 137 Filipinos in Gaza.

DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza indicated that as of October 9th, the Philippine Embassy in Amman had received repatriation requests from nine families comprising 38 Filipino nationals and 11 Palestinian spouses.

“Among the 38 Filipino nationals are 17 minors whose ages range from 2 to 15 years old,” Daza conveyed in a text message.