Press Release - Bong Go urges swift action to protect Filipinos following DFA Advisory Level 4 on Gaza

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has voiced his concerns on the dangers faced by the Filipino community in Gaza and Israel due to the continuing hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

Go underscored the indiscriminate nature of the crisis stating, "Bullets know no color nor creed. The urgent need of the hour is to support de-escalation and peace."

Being a Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, he voiced specific apprehensions regarding the dangerous situation of Filipinos caught in the crossfire, and stressed the immediate necessity to facilitate safe exit pathways for those desiring to leave Gaza, or to establish recognized sanctuaries as mandated by international humanitarian law.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Advisory Level 4 is issued in severe situations where there is either a "large-scale internal conflict or full-blown external attack" in a particular region or country.

Upon the announcement of Alert Level 4, a phase of evacuation or mandatory repatriation is initiated to ensure the safety and security of individuals, especially Filipinos abroad, by moving them out of harm's way.

Go firmly said that the advisory should be accompanied by prompt actions from the government to safeguard the Filipino community.

"The latest DFA advisory is a stark reminder of the harsh realities on the ground. It's imperative that we, as a government, act with speed and deliberation to keep our fellow countrymen out of harm's way," said Go.

Acknowledging his role as a legislator, Go pledged to work alongside his Senate colleagues in supporting any and all endeavors aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Filipinos in the troubled regions.

"I, alongside my esteemed colleagues in the Senate, am fully committed to supporting any initiatives aimed at securing the well-being of our fellow Filipinos in these affected areas," affirmed the senator.

In response to the escalating violence, 131 Filipinos have already been evacuated from the war-torn region of Gaza, with the Philippine government actively working to repatriate them amidst the ongoing conflict.

According to DFA, 78 of these individuals are now situated near the Rafah border crossing near Egypt,