Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Thursday said the Philippines will halt the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel amid continuing clashes between the Israel security forces and Palestinians.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Bello said he will consult with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin first regarding the alert status in the Middle East country.
“Simula ngayon ‘di muna. Makikipagconsult na rin ako kay Secretary Locsin tungkol sa alert level doon kasi nakikita naman natin putukan dito, putukan dun, mahirap pag nagdeploy tayo, malaki ang pananagutan ko po,” he said.
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Bello said the deployment of OFWs will not resume until the safety of migrant workers will be assured.
Meanwhile, he assured that the labor department will continue to process job applications of migrant workers including the 400 caregivers set to be deployed in Israel.
Bello said the agency has deployed its rapid response team to repatriate Filipinos in Israel but he said no one expressed willingness to return home yet.
READ ON: Labor attache: Filipinos in Israel, Gaza traumatized over violence, repatriation plans ongoing
There are 30,000 Filipinos living and working in Israel, according to data from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Exchange of airstrikes and rocket launches continues between Israel and Palestinian militants amid calls by the international community for a ceasefire between the two sides. (RA)
