The Filipino caregiver based in Israel, who was taken hostage by Palestinian group Hamas, plans to return to the country to spend Christmas, Foreign Affairs Usec. Eduardo De Vega said on Monday, Nov. 27.
In an interview during DZRH Dos Por Dos, De Vega mentioned that Gelienor ‘Jimmy’ Pacheco plans to be with his family during the Christmas season and return to Israel to work again.
"Babalik siya sa Pilipinas next month bago mag-Christmas para makasama ang pamilya niya. Tapos kung ayos na, babalik siya sa Israel," he said.
Usec. Eduardo De Vega, DFA, sa OFW na tatanggap ng lifetime benefits mula sa Israel: 'Yon ang sinabi ng Israel sa kanya, parang monthly pension. #DosPorDos#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
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Last Friday, Nov. 25, the Philippine Embassy in Israel reported that Pacheco went back to Israel after he was released from captivity. He gained liberty after exactly 49 days.
According to De Vega, the Filipino caregiver will receive a lifetime pension from the Israeli government.
"Ito ang binibigay ng Israel kung ikaw ay biktima ng terorista, hindi lang pag ikaw ay namatay. Na-kidnap siya, ang status niya ay pareho sa ordinary person guide ng Israeli citizen," he explained.
The DFA official said the Philippine Embassy is now helping Pacheco to find a new job as he lost his original work after the tragic death of his employer.
"Ang gagawin nila [Israel], hindi government agency pero hahanap sila ng private employer para sa kanya. Palaging may trabaho para sa mga Pilipinong caregiver doon. Palaging meron, so makakuha iyon. Ang importante, matapang siya," he said.
De Vega said that the Filipino caregiver recounted that his employer was shot dead by the terrorist group.
He, however, noted that Pacheco was not hurt during the abduction.
"Siya mismo ay hindi tinutukan, pinosas lang. Tapos pumayat siya nang husto, emotional stress. Pero ire-release siya ng hospital ngayong araw, okay na siya," the DFA official stated.
