Philippines condemns deadly attacks in Israel

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines condemned Sunday the multipronged surprise attacks in Israel that have killed hundreds, including civilians. 

In a statement, the Office of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed its deepest sympathies and condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the fighting between the Israeli military and the Palestinian group Hamas. 

“The Philippines condemns the attacks, especially against civilian populations,” the Office of the President said.

More than 200 Israelis died in a wave of Palestinian attacks by land, sea and air. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to reduce Hamas’ hideouts in Gaza to “rubble”, with intense Israeli air strikes on the coastal enclave killing at least 232 Palestinians.

The Office of the President added that “the Philippines understands the right of states to self-defense in the light of external aggression as recognized in the United Nations Charter.”

In a briefing Sunday, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said that Israel expects the international community, including the Philippines, to support the country’s rights to respond and protect itself. 

“In this moment of anguish, we call on our friends and allies to express strong support for Israel and to condemn these terror attacks by Hamas,” Fluss said. 

The government is coordinating with authorities in Israel to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos there, the Presidential Communications Office said.

“The President has instructed the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to locate and account for all overseas Filipino workers and their families in Israel,” the PCO said. 

The government has set up a task force to monitor the situation of Filipinos in Israel and opened hotlines that will accept queries from OFWs who need assistance. 

In an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo 630 Sunday, DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said that some Filipinos in Israel are staying in shelters, while others have evacuated to different areas. Cacdac added that there have been no reported injuries or fatalities.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv earlier said that it was verifying unconfirmed reports of