The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Thursday another Filipino fatality in the continuing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), DFA Secretary Enrique A. Manalo announced the death of another Filipino as confirmed by the Israeli government.
1/2 I regret to inform the nation that we have received confirmation from the Israeli government of another Filipino casualty in Israel
— Enrique A. Manalo 🇵🇠(@SecManalo) October 19, 2023
This the fourth recorded Filipino death due to the war.
Manalo sent his sympathy to the bereaved family of the unnamed victim.
"Out of respect for the wishes of the family, we shall be withholding details on the identity of the victim. But we have assured the family of the government’s full support and assistance," the DFA secretary said.
DFA has no further confirmation yet if the current report is included among the three reported missing Filipinos since the surprise attack by Hamas militants against Israel on October 7.
In a separate post, Manalo said that the DFA is hopeful to be reached soonest in order for the Rafah crossing to start receiving foreign nationals so that the Filipinos in Gaza will be allowed to cross into Egypt.
According to DFA, at least 30,000 Filipino workers reside in Israel, and the majority of them work as caregivers and nurses, while 135 Filipinos are still stranded in the Gaza Strip, which is now being controlled by Hamas.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ed De Vega said around 70 to 80 Filipinos, mostly married to Palestinians, sought government help for evacuation.
De Vega said that the repatriation of the remains of Filipinos killed faces delays due to the ongoing war.
Philippines have put security alert level 4 for Gaza, which mandates all Filipinos to evacuate.
