Ph Embassy in Jordan Joins Hearing by the House Committee on Overseas Workers’ Affairs on the Situation in Gaza and Israel

Left photo: Philippine Embassy in Jordan Team headed by Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos (center). Right photo clockwise: Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo José A. de Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin H. Tago, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro "Junie" Laylo, Jr., Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" R. Luistro, and Chair of the House Committee on Public Information Ron P. Salo.

11 October 2023 – The Philippine Embassy in Jordan, led by Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos, joined the hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers’ Affairs via Zoom on 11 October 2023. Joining the said meeting also were DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo José A. de Vega, Office of Migrant Workers Affairs Special Assistant Robert G. Ferrer, Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin H. Tago and Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro "Junie" Laylo, Jr.

Ambassador Santos briefed the Committee on the situation of Filipino nationals in Gaza. "The reports that we have been receiving is that there is no evacuation so far because the exit points are closed, due to the continuing clashes between Israel and Hamas.” Ambassador Santos remarked.

He further emphasized that, “Until we have a humanitarian corridor that will allow a safe passage to third country nationals including Filipinos, it may not be feasible to undertake an evacuation among our nationals because we have to consider their safety.”

“The Philippine Embassy in Jordan is continuously coordinating closely not only with international organizations with limited access in Gaza, but also with the Philippine Embassies in Israel and Egypt which are both making representations to their respective host countries’ governments for assisting our nationals.” Ambassador Santos added.

The Philippine Embassy in Jordan has jurisdiction over the State of Palestine which includes the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

The Philippine Embassy in Jordan reiterates its advice to all Filipinos in the Gaza Strip to stay vigilant and cautious at all times, to avoid public areas, and to continue to monitor the security situation through official communication channels.

The safety and security of every Filipino overseas remain the priority of the Philippine government. The Philippine Embassy is continuously monitoring the situation. As of the time of writing, there is no report of Filipinos involved in the conflict. There are 137 Filipino nationals in Gaza and two Filipino tourists. A total of 70 Filipinos have expressed their desire to be repatriated, in which 31 are minors.

Filipinos who require assistance and anyone with reports of significant developments may contact the Embassy through ATN Hotlines: +962-7-7907-7775 and 7-7907-7778. END

After the House Committee meeting, Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo C. Santos (center) discusses the database of Filipinos in Gaza and West Bank with Third Secretaries and Vice Consuls Angeli A. Payumo and Sheila Marie G. Andales.