127 OFWs displaced, 253 seek return amid heightened alert in Israel

At least 127 Filipinos in Israel have been displaced after their homes were damaged by missiles launched by Iran. (Pexels Photo)

By Marita Moaje, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – At least 127 Filipinos in Israel have been displaced after their homes were damaged by missiles launched by Iran.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv reported that the number of Filipinos seeking repatriation rose to 253 on Sunday.

Meanwhile, one Filipino remains in the hospital after suffering a serious injury, but is now in stable condition.

“One is in critical condition with severe and life-threatening injuries. She underwent a major pulmonary surgery and another procedure to create a breathing tube access. She is being treated at the ICU of Shamir Medical Center, one of Israel’s most advanced hospitals,” the embassy wrote on Facebook.

It also said another Filipino “suffered moderate to serious injuries, had surgery, and was discharged. Six have been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries.”

The Philippine government intensified its emergency response following Israel’s shift to heightened security alert amid escalating regional tensions.

There are over 30,000 Filipinos living and working in Israel, according to embassy data.

The embassy said out of the 127 who lost their homes, 118 have been transferred to temporary housing accommodations while nine are being processed for resettlement.

The Israeli government, through the Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command, has placed the entire country under “Essential Activity” status, suspending classes, banning public gatherings, and restricting work to essential services only.

The heightened alert followed a series of Iranian missile attacks after the United States launched an airstrike against Iran on Sunday, leaving civilian areas vulnerable.

Officials of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, as well as its rapid response team, remain on full alert, actively conducting welfare checks and distributing aid to affected Filipinos.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) earlier reported that the first batch of 26 OFWs from Israel, three from Jordan, and one from the West Bank are set to arrive in Manila on Tuesday on board a commercial flight.

They will be accompanied by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who flew to Amman, Jordan over the weekend to lead onsite operations and personally oversee the care of affected Filipinos.

The embassy said 375 Filipinos have so far been given various forms of support, including emergency shelter, relief packages, financial aid, and legal services related to their employment and benefits claims.

Cacdac said the Philippine government has mobilized a whole-of-government reintegration plan for returnees, including a PHP150,000 financial aid, training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), psychosocial counseling from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and medical checkups through the Department of Health (DOH), as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Additional assistance for livelihoods and job placement will be provided by the DMW, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other partner agencies.

Filipinos in Israel are strongly urged to remain vigilant, observe all official safety protocols, and contact the government if they wish to avail of assistance or join the voluntary repatriation program.

The embassy said it could be reached through its emergency hotline: +972 54-4661188; OWWA Israel Email: [email protected]; Telephone: +972-3-602-2496; and WhatsApp: +972-50-715-6937.