Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Chief Arnell Ignacio on Sunday, Oct. 8, assured that the Filipinos in Israel are currently safe despite the breaking out of trouble in the country.

In an interview with Christian Maño and Nicole Lopez during DZRH’s Huntahan, Ignacio said that their office is always ready to provide assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are now living in Israel for work.

“Itong mga ganitong bagay, kumbaga ready na tayo kung ano man ang mangyari. Based sa valid crises in the past and of course we will be ready for any form assistance that may be needed. For the moment, ang ating hotlines para sa mga kamag-anakan ay bukas,” he said.

According to Ignacio, there are a total of 24,808 of Filipinos are working in the said country, and approximately 200 OFWs in Gaza.

When asked about the funds for the assistance, the OWWA administrator said that there are enough funds.

“Sobra pa tayo sa pondo. Pasalamat sa Congress at Senate dahil nabigyan tayo ng magandang support diyan for any repatriation needs. We give recognition also to DBM. We will always be ready, funds will never be the problem,” he said.

Ignacio said they are monitoring the situation, adding that they are surprised that the Philippine Embassy in Israel is not asking for repatriation assistance.

“We're surprised na hindi sila nanghihingi agad ng repatriation assistance. Sakaling man meron, we are ready,” he uttered.

Meanwhile, Ignacio said that the OWWA hotlines are open and they can contact them at 1348 for Metro Manila, 021348 for outside Metro Manila, and (+632) 1348 for outside the country when in need of assistance.