Press Release - Bong Go appeals for swift action to protect Filipinos abroad as Israel-Hamas conflict escalates

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has raised his concern for the safety and well-being of Filipinos abroad, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Israel, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Go highlighted the significant sacrifices made by OFWs to provide a better life for their families. Most often, they face challenges such as getting caught in the middle of conflicts like the current crisis in Israel.

"Kaya masakit para sa aking mabalitaan na tatlo na sa ating mga kababayan ang namatay dahil sa kaguluhan doon, kasama na ang isang nurse na kababayan nating nagpasyang hindi iiwan ang kanyang pasyente at tinupad ang kanyang tungkulin sa trabaho hanggang sa huling sandali bago siya pinatay. Para sa akin, isa syang tunay at kahanga-hangang bayani," said Go.

"Nakikiramay ako sa kanilang mga pamilya," he commiserated.

In light of the ongoing hostilities in Israel, the senator has called upon various government agencies including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to extend continuous assistance to protect affected Filipinos.

He emphasized the importance of reassuring their families in the Philippines about their safety, and affirmed that the government is doing everything in its capacity to ensure the welfare of their loved ones not just in Israel but in other parts of the globe.

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, underscored the urgent need for a swift and comprehensive inventory of all affected OFWs. He also emphasized the need to immediately plan for their repatriation, as the situation in the region remains uncertain.

"Napakahalaga po na ligtas ang ating mga kababayan nasaan man sila sa mundo. Kaya umaapela tayo sa DMW, DFA, at ang POEA na bilisan ang pagkilos dahil importante ang oras sa mga panahong ito at tiyakin na matutukoy lahat ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino na nasa Israel," he stressed.

The conflict, which has been raging since October 7, 2023, saw Palestinian militants breaching the Gaza-Israel barrier and invading Israel's Southern District, prompting retaliatory airstrikes from the Israeli military.

Go urged Filipinos