26 Filipinos exit Israel via Jordan, set for PH return trip

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – A total of 26 overseas Filipinos in Israel have been repatriated through the Philippine Embassy’s Voluntary Repatriation Program, amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.

In a social media post Sunday, the Philippine Embassy in Israel said the repatriates were assisted by its team, led by Ambassador Aileen Mendiola, at the Allenby Border Crossing to ensure their safe passage.

The group received full logistical and welfare support, including transportation, transit visas, travel documents, and plane tickets back to the Philippines, according to the embassy.

Prior to departure, they stayed at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shelter, where they received relief packages, free legal assistance regarding their pikadon (final pay/benefits), and pre-departure briefings about their reintegration benefits.

The embassy also reported that arrangements are underway for the return of a second batch of 33 Filipinos.

The Philippines earlier raised Alert Level 3 (voluntary repatriation) in Israel and Iran due to the conflict, urging Filipinos to take necessary precautions and avail of repatriation assistance when needed.

There are around 30,000 Filipinos in Israel, most of whom are employed in the caregiving and domestic service sectors.

In Iran, there are 1,180 Filipinos, most of them married to nationals, according to the DMW.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the DMW continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to facilitate further repatriations if necessary.

The repatriates are expected to arrive in Manila within the week and will undergo reintegration processing through DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.