• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As the Jewish state faces continuous Iranian missile strikes, none of the 121 Negrense Overseas Filipino Workers in Israel have sought the help of the Negros Occidental provincial government Migrant Resources, for their return to the province, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson disclosed on Monday.
Of the 121 Negrense OFWs in Israel, 13 are residents of highly urbanized Bacolod City, according to records of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
None of them wants to come back to the Philippines, as of this time, Lacson said.
Lacson, however, said the OFW Help Desk is open to assist in case they change their minds, and want to return to the Philippines.
The national government is on top of the situation, and is ready to receive our Filipinos, who want to come back. But in Negros Occidental, nobody wants to go home, the governor said.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola disclosed on Monday that they have received 253 repatriation requests from Filipinos in Israel who expressed their intent to return to the country.
Malacañang on Monday moved to dispel growing public anxiety over the possibility of a global war, assuring Filipinos that the government is fully prepared to respond to any eventuality amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed all relevant agencies to prioritize the protection and welfare of overseas Filipinos, especially those in high-risk areas.
The Palace made the statement following a surge of fears online over the potential outbreak of World War III, as the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify.
About 30,000 Filipinos live in Israel, mainly working in caregiving and domestic services. In Iran, around 1,180 Filipinos reside, most married to locals.
Due to the escalating conflict, the Philippines earlier raised Alert Level 3 in both Israel and Iran, encouraging voluntary repatriation and extra precaution.* with PNA reports
