First OFW and Five Filipinos Safely Crossed Border from Israel to Jordan

Engr. Edsel Sarquilla (2nd from right), was the first OFW who were evacuated from Israel to Jordan. He was warmly received by Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos (2nd from left) together with Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo (leftmost) and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie G. Andales (rightmost) at the Philippine Embassy in Amman.

AMMAN, 19 June 2025 — In line with the Philippine Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipinos affected by the situation in Israel, the Philippine Embassy in Amman has received the first overseas Filipino worker (OFW), Engr. Edsel Sarquilla, who successfully crossed the border from Israel to Jordan yesterday on 18 June 2025. The Embassy also welcomed five Filipinos (four tourists and one worker) today as part of the initial evacuees.

Engr. Edsel Sarquilla was warmly received by Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos together with Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie G. Andales at the Philippine Embassy in Amman. 

In anticipation of the arrival of more Filipino nationals through the Jordan-Israel border in the coming days, The Philippine Embassy in Amman is making necessary preparations for the next group of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) set to cross. Ocular inspections of the border are currently being conducted.

The Philippine Embassy in Amman remains committed to providing all necessary support and repatriation assistance in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. under Bagong Pilipinas.

This initiative was made possible through the close collaboration between the Philippine Embassies in Tel Aviv and Amman. The Embassy in Tel Aviv assisted the tourists in crossing the Israeli border, worked closely with Israeli authorities and extended all necessary support to facilitate the safe departure of Filipinos from Israel. At the same time, it coordinated with its counterpart in Amman to ensure the group’s smooth entry into Jordan.

Assisting at the border were officials from the Philippine Embassy in Amman and Migrant Workers Office in Jordan namely, Second Secretary Michael Ragnar R. Supeña, Administrative Officer John Danilo G. Jiao, Jr., Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Head Charisse F. Malabanan, ATN Assistant Mariella S. Masiglat-Balla, Welfare Officer Rosalin R. Lavin, Assistant Labor Attaché Jaybee John Vincent V. Baginda, and MWO translator Laith O. Al-Haj, who provided immediate assistance, including the issuance of transit visas.

Filipinos in the West Bank who may need assistance may contact the Embassy through ATN Hotlines at +962 77 907 7778, +962 77 907 7775, +962 77 798 8818, +962 77 721 9000, and +962 6 590 1730 for consular assistance. END

The four tourists and one worker assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv at the Israeli border

The four tourists and one worker received and assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Amman and Migrant Workers Office in Jordan

The Philippine Embassy Team and the MIgrant Workers Office Jordan made an ocular inspection of the VIP Lounge at the border, in anticipation of the arrival of more Filipino nationals through the Jordan-Israel border in the coming days.