Wounded Filipinos in Israel rise to 8, one critical
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Wounded Filipinos in Israel rise to 8, one critical
Marilyn Cahatol,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 20, 2025 09:44 AM PHT
Israeli air defense systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv early on June 18, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on June 17, the fifth day of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. Menahem Kahana, AFP
Israeli air defense systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv early on June 18, 2025. Israel and Iran exchanged fire again on June 17, the fifth day of strikes in their most intense confrontation in history, fuelling fears of a drawn-out conflict that could engulf the Middle East. Menahem Kahana, AFP MANILA — The number of Filipinos injured in the ongoing attacks between Israel and Iran has risen to eight, with one in critical condition, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said Friday.
MANILA — The number of Filipinos injured in the ongoing attacks between Israel and Iran has risen to eight, with one in critical condition, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said Friday.
Seven of the injured Filipinos have been discharged, while the remaining Filipino in critical condition is still being treated.
Seven of the injured Filipinos have been discharged, while the remaining Filipino in critical condition is still being treated.
The attacks began June 13, when Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Iranian government immediately mounted a counterstrike, saying Israel’s attack is a declaration of war.
The attacks began June 13, when Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Iranian government immediately mounted a counterstrike, saying Israel’s attack is a declaration of war.
So far, 187 Filipinos in Israel have requested to be repatriated to the Philippines, said Mendiola.
So far, 187 Filipinos in Israel have requested to be repatriated to the Philippines, said Mendiola.
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There are 26 Filipinos included in the first batch of repatriates, scheduled to depart Israel in the next two to three days.
There are 26 Filipinos included in the first batch of repatriates, scheduled to depart Israel in the next two to three days.
Currently, there are 30,000 overseas Filipino workers in Israel, including the 1,333 repatriated to the Philippines as of June 12.
Currently, there are 30,000 overseas Filipino workers in Israel, including the 1,333 repatriated to the Philippines as of June 12.
Five Filipino students studying in Europe have been given assistance to cross the border after being stranded in Israel due to the ongoing violence.
Five Filipino students studying in Europe have been given assistance to cross the border after being stranded in Israel due to the ongoing violence.
Mendiola said the situation in Israel “fluid” as the people attempt to function normally despite the continuous attacks.
Mendiola said the situation in Israel “fluid” as the people attempt to function normally despite the continuous attacks.
“Actually ang hirap sabihin eh. Kung titingnan mo ‘yung mga news reports, parang lumalala. Pero dito naman ‘pag lumabas ka, makikita mo, dumarami ‘yung mga tao na nasa labas,” she said.
“Actually ang hirap sabihin eh. Kung titingnan mo ‘yung mga news reports, parang lumalala. Pero dito naman ‘pag lumabas ka, makikita mo, dumarami ‘yung mga tao na nasa labas,” she said.
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Mendiola said many OFWs in Israel hesitate to come back to the Philippines due to savings that were put on hold following the recent events.
Mendiola said many OFWs in Israel hesitate to come back to the Philippines due to savings that were put on hold following the recent events.
Each foreign worker in Israel has savings they can withdraw through the Ben Gurion airport, which has closed due to the geopolitical tension with Iran.
Each foreign worker in Israel has savings they can withdraw through the Ben Gurion airport, which has closed due to the geopolitical tension with Iran.
“So yun I think one of the reasons kaya medyo nag-aatubili yung mga kababayan natin. They would prefer to fly out of Ben Gurion and that would mean a couple of more days and weeks,” said Mendiola.
“So yun I think one of the reasons kaya medyo nag-aatubili yung mga kababayan natin. They would prefer to fly out of Ben Gurion and that would mean a couple of more days and weeks,” said Mendiola.
The deployment ban in Israel, imposed Oct. 2023 during the height of the Israel-Hamas conflict, remains, the ambassador said.
The deployment ban in Israel, imposed Oct. 2023 during the height of the Israel-Hamas conflict, remains, the ambassador said.
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