2 Pinoys killed in Hamas raids – DFA

MANILA, Philippines — Two Filipinos have been killed in Israel as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifies, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said yesterday.

“The Philippines condemns the killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as a result of Hamas actions against Israel,” Manalo wrote in a post on X, confirming two Filipino casualties but without giving further details.

He said the Philippines is ready to work with other countries toward a long-lasting resolution to the conflict, in accordance with pertinent United Nations Security Council resolutions and the general principles of international law.

“The Philippine government will continue to provide all possible assistance to distressed Filipino nationals in Israel and Palestine,” he added.

Israel likewise condemned the killing of the two Filipino caregivers and expressed sympathies to the families of the casualties.

“The embassy of the State of Israel in Manila expresses its deepest sympathies to the families of the two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were confirmed dead due to the Hamas terror attacks in Israel,” the Israel embassy said in a statement. “We offer prayers as well to those who are still missing.”

Israel said it has the full right to respond and protect itself following the deadly attacks by the militant Hamas early Saturday morning.

“We strongly condemn the acts of terrorism by Hamas towards the innocent Israeli citizens and other nationalities in Israel. Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas,” the embassy said.

The Philippines on Monday reiterated that the country recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense.

The two fatalities who were working in the Gaza envelope were among the six Filipinos unaccounted for.

A DNA test on a body found by Israeli authorities would be made to determine if it is of the female caregiver who, according to her sister also working in Israel, has been missing since the outbreak of violence.

The bodies of the two OFWs were in police custody when the embassy was notified of their deaths.

The body of the female OFW was found first, but it took time to confirm and needed collection of DNA samples from