OFW in Israel says 'terrorists' going house-to-house --- By SHERYLIN UNTALAN, GMA Integrated News

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are concerned for their security amid the ongoing armed conflict between Hamas and Israel. "Hindi masabing secured sa ngayon ang aming mga bahay dahil hindi lang rocket ang kalaban namin kundi 'yung mga terorista na pumapasok na po sa mga bahay-bahay namin," said Marina Collado Runez, an OFW in Israel in a Super Radyo dzBB interview. Residents were advised to stay indoors for safety instead of running in the shelters. “Kaya ang ginagawa namin, kahit madilim sa bahay, hindi kami nagbubukas ng ilaw dahil baka ma-detect ng mga kalaban baka pasukin kami,” she added. Runez said that as of 3 p.m. on Monday that their area has been quiet, but they heard sirens at around noon. "Noong nag-declare na po ng war, kinagabihan, tumahimik po ang Jerusalem, wala nang sirens. Pero sa Tel Aviv at sa Gaza, doon po madalas ang mga putukan, mga barilan at pagbaba ng mga rocket," Runez shared. She noted that the ministry and military base are located in Jerusalem so security is tight. However, Runez said, the attacks occurred on a holiday or the time that everyone was busy. Earlier today, the Department of Foreign Affairs said a Filipino was reportedly abducted, while six others remain unaccounted for and cannot be contacted via their mobile number and social media accounts. Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Anthony Mandap said the seven individuals are overseas Filipino workers. There are currently 30,000 Filipinos, mostly caregivers, in Israel. Currently, 22 Filipinos, who sought help from the embassy, have been rescued and transferred to safer areas or housed in hotels. Of this number, one is being treated in a hospital in Be’ersheva for moderate injuries sustained during the rescue. Another Filipino was treated for smoke inhalation and moved to a hotel in Tel Aviv. Both have been visited by the Labor Attaché and Welfare Officer, who provided assistance and essential supplies, the DFA said. Despite the situation, Filipinos living in Israel are currently not requesting immediate repatriation. However, the Embassy said it has a repatriation plan in place and is ready to implement the same if needed. — BAP, Integrated News

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