AS THE bombings continue, the number of Filipino casualties in both Iran and Israel keeps rising, fueled by the ongoing retaliatory airstrikes exchanged between the two conflict-stricken nations.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel are not spared from Iran’s destructive attacks. According to Her Excellency (H.E.) Aileen Mendiola of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, 35 Filipinos have been reported as affected.

Out of the 35, a total of 27 require relocation, while the remaining eight are medical cases. Of those eight, six have already been discharged, one is under close observation, and one remains in critical condition.

Photo Courtesy: Philippine Embassy in Israel

H.E. Mendiola expressed her hope for the speedy recovery of the injured OFWs and noted that these Filipinos are with their families who also reside in Israel.

She emphasized that the Philippine Embassy began its voluntary repatriation program back on October 7, 2023. As of June 13, thirteen Filipinos have formally expressed their intention to return to the Philippines.

“Ang problema po na ating kinakaharap ukol sa repatriation ay sarado ang airspace ng Israel. Wala pong eroplano ang nakakapasok o nakakalabas. The only way out po is through Jordan and Egypt,” H.E. Mendiola said.

“Ngayon, kailangan pa rin po namin makipag-coordinate sa ating embassy doon sa Aman at Cairo, para ipahintulot ho ng mga officials ng Jordan at Egypt na papasukin ho ang mga Pilipino natin,” she added.

Meanwhile, according to data from the PH Embassy, about 46 pilgrims living near the Jordan border managed to cross on Sunday. However, the issue remains with those residing in Tel Aviv due to their distance from the border and the availability of transit visas.

Situation in Iran

Meanwhile, H.E. Roberto Manalo of the Philippine Embassy in Iran noted that around 700 Filipinos reside in Iran, with the majority being permanent residents.

Only 10 to 20 are recorded as OFWs, while most are either married to or children of Iranian nationals. Most importantly, no Filipino has been reported among the bombing casualties.

“We are taking great precaution and extreme care sa aming movements dito sa Tehran in Iran, dahil alam naman po natin, maya’t maya ay may dumarating na mga attacks from Israel,” H.E. Manalo said.

“Hindi naman namin masasabi kung kailan matatapos at kailan ulit magsisimula. Maya’t maya ay may dumarating na mga attacks ang Israel. Ngayon, panay ang aming advice sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Iran.”

“Kung pu-pwede, stay put muna sa kani-kanilang mga tinitirhan. At huwag munang maglala-labas ng bahay kasi po delikado ang outdoor areas natin ngayon,” he added.

Nevertheless, the ambassador affirmed that the embassy is prepared for a repatriation program. The only way for these Filipinos to leave Iran is by land, with the possibility of staying in nearby countries such as Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.

It’s Different

Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Ilan Fluss, also emphasized that the ongoing, life-altering conflict between the two nations must be taken seriously, as it differs significantly from past confrontations.

“The conflict this is really very different. As you remember, last year, Iran has attacked Israel twice, in April and October. They launched a massive missile attack on Israel, Israel responded, and ended in that,” H.E. Fluss said. 

“Although we had other challenges, I would say, Hamas from Gaza and West Bank, Hezbollah from Lebanon, Houthis from Yemen, who are all proxies of Iran, who got their money and weapons from Iran. I would say we were suffering from the long reach of Iran.”

“But this time, we’re in direct confrontation with Iran. The big difference is the State of Israel has no choice but to attack and eliminate an imminent threat to the existence of the State of Israel, and that’s coming from the nuclear program of Iran,” he added.

Additionally, H.E. Fluss stated that the number of casualties in Israel continues to rise. As of Sunday afternoon, there have been 13 reported deaths and 390 injuries, ranging from critical and serious to moderate and minor.

He also anticipates that the conflict between the two nations may intensify. However, he emphasized that Israel’s strikes were specifically aimed at Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, in contrast to the retaliatory attacks they received, which affected hundreds of civilians.

In the midst of the ongoing conflict, H.E. Fluss assured that Filipinos and other foreign nationals living in Israel will be given the same protection and treatment as Israeli citizens during these challenging times.