MANILA – The Philippine government reported Saturday that no Filipino nationals were harmed in the latest air strikes conducted by the Israeli military in Beirut, which resulted in some of the deadliest violence in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the air raids on October 10th struck densely populated areas of the Lebanese capital, leaving 22 people dead and 117 injured. However, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the agency has not received any reports of Filipino casualties.
“At present, we haven’t heard any Filipino hurt in the attacks in Lebanon, whether in southern Lebanon or in Beirut,” Cacdac said on the sidelines of a news forum in Quezon City. “By God’s grace, we’re hoping it will stay that way.”
The Philippine Embassy in Beirut issued an advisory on October 12th, warning Filipino nationals in the city to avoid the affected areas, particularly Ras al-Nabaa and Noueiri. The embassy expressed heightened concerns for civilian safety amid the ongoing military operations.
Of the estimated 11,000 Filipinos residing and working in Lebanon, the majority are based in the capital. So far, 570 have expressed interest in voluntarily leaving the country, with 221 already securing flights between October 12-28 under the government’s repatriation program.
On Saturday, nine Filipinos arrived from Lebanon as part of this effort, Cacdac said. The exit paperwork is still being processed for the remaining 350 individuals.
Additionally, the DMW reported that 178 Filipinos are currently being housed in shelters and hotels across Lebanon. These repatriates have received immediate financial assistance of 75,000 Philippine pesos each from the DMW’s AKSYON (Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan) Fund, as well as additional support from other government agencies.
Since October 2023, the Philippine government has repatriated a total of 442 individuals from Lebanon, along with 28 dependents.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the Philippine authorities remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in the region.
