Pinoy caregiver hostaged by Hamas returns home

MANILA, Philippines — Caregiver Jimmy Pacheco, one of the Filipinos kidnapped by the Islamist group Hamas in October, arrived yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

Pacheco’s wife Clarisse and their children greeted him upon his arrival at the airport on a Philippine Airlines flight from Dubai.

Immigration officials helped Pacheco process his travel documents.

He was advised not to say anything against his kidnappers for his safety if he plans to return to Israel. 

The Israeli government will provide lifetime benefits to Pacheco and his family, similar to assistance given to Israelis who are victims of terrorist attacks. 

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac, a Department of Foreign Affairs representative and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration administrator Arnel Ignacio also welcomed Pacheco at the NAIA.

Pacheco was included in the first batch of hostages released by Hamas on Nov. 24, after 48 days of captivity.