The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that 21 stranded officials in Israel have been successfully evacuated to Jordan.
According to the DFA, out of the total 21 individuals evacuated, 17 were part of the group that attended the agricultural technology training in Israel from June 10 to June 20. Among this group were two congressmen, nine mayors, four vice mayors, and two regional directors. The remaining group of two were dairy specialists from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Diplomatic coordination between the Philippine Embassy in Amman and the Jordanian government facilitated the evacuations. Ambassador Wilfredo Santos of the Philippines picked up the group personally from the King Hussein Border, where they were issued transit visas free of charge.
“The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv actively coordinated with the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, relevant authorities, and made the necessary representations with the Israeli government in support of this mission,” the DFA said.
Meanwhile, the DFA confirmed that arrangements are underway for the officials to travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, before boarding a flight back to Manila.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola-Rau confirmed the travel plans in a radio interview.
The expected evacuation comes after a week-long missile exchange between Israel and Iran, which leaves thousands of civilians and foreign nationals stranded and raises international concern.
Estimates put the population of Filipinos in Israel at about 30,000, making up most caregivers; about 1,000 more are present in Iran.
The DFA assured the public that continuous monitoring of the situation is in progress and is ready for further evacuation and repatriation if needed.
