Photo courtesy: Council on Foreign Relations
SEVENTEEN Filipino local government officials, including mayors, are currently stranded in Israel following retaliatory air raids launched by Iran, according to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss.
The officials, part of a 22-person delegation on a dairy farming study visit sponsored by the Israeli government, are caught in the escalating conflict.
Ambassador Fluss confirmed on Tuesday that the group, which includes Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais; Lawaan, Eastern Samar Mayor Athene Mendros; and Hindang, Leyte Mayor Betty Cabal, are safe and receiving care from the Israeli government. He emphasized the Israeli government’s commitment to their safe return, stating, “All of them are being taken care of… They are doing fine, of course it’s not a pleasant situation.”
However, the repatriation process is proving challenging due to the closure of Israeli airspace and airports. Ambassador Fluss explained, “We are under fire, airspace in Israel is closed. We are trying to facilitate a way out… it needs all kinds of special permits by other governments.”
The delegation’s planned return on June 20th has been indefinitely postponed as efforts to secure alternative routes, potentially via Jordan, are underway.
Mayor Balais reported on Monday that the group has been sheltering in a bomb-proof bunker near their hotel and has been exploring various exit strategies amid the chaotic situation. The Israeli government is working diligently to coordinate their safe passage home.
