UNCERTAINTY surrounds the number of Filipino lawmakers currently in Israel following the recent escalation of conflict in the region.
While two representatives, Batangas 4th District Rep. Lianda Bolilia and San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida Robes, cancelled planned trips to Israel, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed that he is still verifying whether other legislators are currently stranded there.
Velasco stated in a message to reporters on Tuesday that Rep. Bolilia withdrew her travel authority request and Rep. Robes did not proceed with her application.
However, he acknowledged difficulties in confirming whether any lawmakers are currently in Israel, potentially having traveled there while returning from other international trips. The House is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to clarify the situation.
This follows a DFA report indicating that two House members are among the 17 government officials stranded in Israel due to the renewed conflict.
The recent escalation, marked by Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites and subsequent retaliatory attacks, has raised concerns about a wider Middle Eastern conflict. This exchange has been described as the most intense direct fighting between the two nations to date.
The situation affects a significant Filipino population in Israel, estimated at 31,000 legal workers and residents, with unofficial estimates reaching as high as 50,000, including undocumented individuals.
Approximately 2,000 Filipinos, including those married to Iranian citizens, reside in Iran. Four Filipinos in Israel have reportedly been injured in the airstrikes.
The House and DFA continue to monitor the situation and coordinate efforts to assist affected Filipinos.
