MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel:The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the death of four Filipinos, by calling for a deescalation of tensions in the Middle East.
According to Philippines News Agency, DFA Undersecretary for Migration Eduardo Jose De Vega highlighted the ongoing concern for the safety of Filipinos in the region amid rising conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. “We just wanted tensions to deescalate,” De Vega stated, emphasizing the impact of the conflict on the entire region, including the safety of hostages. He underscored the importance of peace efforts, given the significant Filipino population in the Middle East, estimated at about one million individuals.
De Vega also addressed the Philippines’ diplomatic stance, noting that the country’s votes and statements at the Uni
ted Nations reflect its priority on the welfare of Filipinos in the Middle East. “The Israelis have to understand while we’re friends with them, the way we vote in the UN, the things we say are reflective of our concern for our Filipinos in the Middle East region,” he explained. He added that the lives of Filipinos are heavily affected by ongoing conflicts in areas such as Gaza, Lebanon, and occasionally in Iran or Yemen.
Meanwhile, Israel marked the anniversary by continuing its military actions, targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. On the ground in Lebanon, De Vega mentioned that the situation remains tense but stable, with no immediate plans for mass repatriation of Filipinos. “The situation in Lebanon is still, it’s not the best, but it’s not like it’s a war zone. Gaza is a war zone,” he clarified. Regarding Filipino citizens wishing to return home, he noted, “Some want and we’re getting the flights for them.”