Filipinos stuck in war-torn Palestine-territory Gaza may possibly cross the Rafah border to Egypt on Friday, Nov. 3, or Saturday, Nov. 4, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. said.
In a press briefing at the Malacañang, Marcos mentioned that Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro 'Junie' Laylo Jr. and other foreign ambassadors had a chance to talk with Israel President Isaac Herzog in a meeting.
“So may pangako sila [Israel government] sa atin na maipapalabas na ang mga Pinoy, mga Pilipino, maipapalabas na by today or tomorrow. That is what they promised us. Saturday daw at the latest,” he said.
The President guaranteed that the Philippine government is ready to respond to the Filipino repatriates.
“Nakahanda naman lahat ng ating mga bus, nakahanda na ang Embassy natin sa Cairo. Nandoon lang sila, matagal na silang naghihintay sa tawiran, sa Rafah Crossing. They ready when the time comes, tumawid na ang mga Pinoy, dadalhin at pauwiin,” he said.
Marcos said the government's assistance will also be extended to other foreign nationals.
“Maraming Thai, Vietnamese, iba’t iba. Sabi namin, kung sino mauna, magtulungan na lang tayo,” he said.
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, the gates of the Rafah crossing border opened, allowing wounded and sick Gaza residents and foreign nationals, including two Filipino doctors, to leave the Gaza.
The two Filipino doctors are reportedly members of the Doctors Without Borders.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Usec. Eduardo De Vega earlier told DZRH that there are 115 Filipinos in Gaza who are seeking repatriation.