Gov’t will spend for compassionate visit of freed OFW’s wife

FILE: GOOD NEWS. Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirms the release of 33-year-old Filipino caregiver, Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, from his Hamas abductors in the Gaza Strip during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on Nov. 25, 2023. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

MANILA – The government is ready to provide assistance to the wife of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco if she chooses to visit Israel.

Pacheco and 23 other hostages (13 Israelis and 10 Thais) were released by the Hamas on Friday after being held hostage since Oct. 7.

In exchange, 39 Palestinians were freed from Israeli prisons.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega said they will shoulder the travel expenses of Pacheco’s wife.

“If the wife wants to visit, she doesn’t need a visa… we can pay for it, if she wants a compassionate visit,” De Vega said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

The DFA official said Pacheco, a 33-year-old caregiver, is still in a hospital for medical tests.

Pacheco hails from Ilocos Norte and has been working in Israel for the past five years.

De Vega added that it is up to Pacheco if he wants to remain in Israel or go back to the Philippines to be with his wife and child.

“It’s up to him because he’s based there.

He has a job… maybe it’s his decision to stay there,” he said.

In a statement posted on X, President Ferdinand R.

Marcos Jr. lauded Philippine officials and thanked the State of Qatar for their “invaluable assistance” in securing Pacheco’s freedom.

He likewise assured the government is sparing no effort to locate and secure another missing OFW, Noralyn Babadilla.

Filipino seafarers

Meanwhile, De Vega reported that the government is already working on the release of 17 Filipino seafarers that were held hostage by the Houthi group in Yemen.

“As we have been indicating, we’re exercising all efforts to effectuate the release of the 17 kababayans (countrymen) who are still being held hostage by the Houthi group in Yemen. We’re using diplomatic representations with various countries,” De Vega said.

“There is no issue of paying ransom — this is a political gesture that they made.

It’s not the first time they’ve done it. In previous occasions, our seamen have always eventually been released so we’re confident about this. It’s only a matter of time,” he added.

The Filipino seafarers and other crew members were taken hostage by Yemeni Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on Nov. 19.