Jimmy Pacheco, the repatriated overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was among the foreigners abducted by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said he would return to Israel in 2024.
In an exclusive interview during DZRH Special on Saturday, Dec. 23, Pacheco said he would be returning in February to earn a living and support his family despite his traumatic experiences.
"This coming February, po babalik pa po ako para magtrabaho ulit doon kasi kailangan po malakas pa naman tatyo. Ako lang naman yung inaasahan ng pamilya ko," he said.
Pacheco shared his dark experience in the arms of Hamas, recalling that he and his fellow victims had no food to eat during the hostage-taking, which took place for 49 days in a tunnel.
"Nasa giyera po, kaya wala pong sapat na pagkain. Minsan kumakain na lang po ako ng tissue paper para magkalaman yung sikmura ko," he said.
"Nung pinutol na yung supply ng tubig na galing sa Israel, may pagaka kaonti na yung tubig," he added.
Pacheco said he did not expect he survive, adding that his senior citizen patient, whom he treated as a real family, was killed by the militant group.
"Nung pinasok kami sa bahay sir, 'yun po yung trauma sa akin kasi kung ano-ano na yung pinag-gagagawa nila sa akin kasi binugbog, tinorture, in-automatic yung baril, nilagay sa malapit sa tenga ko. Inubos yung bala doon hanggang nabingi ako, pinaluhod, tinutukan ng baril," the repatriated OFW said.
Pacheco has been directed by the Hamas to become a caregiver for other fellow hostage victims.
In November, he was among the first group of hostage victims who have been released by Hamas in agreement with the Israeli government to also free 150 Palestinians from jail.
Pacheco arrived in the country last Dec. 18, and spent Christmas Day with his family.
