Last Pinoy hostage released by Hamas
MANILA, Philippines — The last Filipino hostage of Hamas has been released, President Marcos announced yesterday, noting that all Philippine nationals affected by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group have been accounted for.
“Just days after expressing concern for Noralyn Babadilla’s whereabouts, I am very happy to announce that Noralyn is safely back in Israel, becoming the second Filipino released from Gaza,” the President said on his official X account.
The Israeli embassy also confirmed the release of Babadilla from Gaza.
“With this positive development, I am pleased to inform the nation that all Filipinos affected by the war have been accounted for,” Marcos said.
Babadilla is currently undergoing medical evaluation at Tel HaShomer Hospital in Israel to ensure her well-being.
The caregiver and her partner Gideon Babani had visited close friends in Kibbutz Nirim on Oct. 7.
Babani was murdered by Hamas terrorists while Babadilla was taken captive for 53 days.
Marcos has instructed Philippine embassy officials in Tel Aviv to attend to the needs of Babadilla in coordination with the Israeli authorities.
The President also extended his gratitude to Israeli authorities for facilitating the release of Babadilla and for all ongoing assistance to Filipinos in Israel.
He likewise thanked the governments of Egypt and Qatar “for their crucial role in this process over the past several weeks.”
Following her release from captivity, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured Babadilla of full support and assistance upon her return to the country.
DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said the agency remains resilient and devoted to providing care and assistance to OFWs and their families, especially those who wish to come home and be reunited with their loved ones.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines “acknowledge and appreciate the mediation efforts of the State of Qatar that led to the release of Ms. Babadilla, and previously of Mr. Jimmy Pacheco.”
The DFA also recognized the support and participation of Egypt, the International Committee of the Red Cross and other international organizations in the
