Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos on Wednesday night admitted that he made two of the “most difficult phone calls” he has had to make as the country’s leader.
It was when he phoned the families of two Filipinos who died in the war between Israel and Hamas militants.
“Last night, I made two of the most difficult phone calls I’ve had to make as President. The nation is one in grieving with the families of the Filipinos who were killed in the attacks on Israel,” Marcos said in a statement posted on his social media on Thursday.
“We will provide the utmost support to the families they were taken from. This tragedy will not deter our spirit. We will continue to stand for peace,” he said.
Based on the information of the Department of Foreign Affairs, one of the two Filipinos who died in the conflict was a 36-year-old female from Pangasinan who has been working in Israel for six years, while the other one is a 42-year-old male from Pampanga.
Philippines Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo Jr. on Wednesday said the identities of the victims would not be disclosed, “in line with the families’ request for privacy at this very difficult time.”
He said the Philippine government would continue to work closely with Israeli authorities and local contacts to find the three Filipinos who are still missing.
“Despite sporadic rocket attacks and the distressing images you see in the news and on social media, this depicts only certain areas in Israel, particularly the areas surrounding the Gaza Strip,” said Laylo, who joined the Palace briefing via Zoom.
The Israeli military has retaken control of the communities infiltrated by the Hamas militants. Rocket attacks have considerably lessened, except in southern Israel. People can move freely in areas far from the combatant zone,” he added. — Catherine S. Valente
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Credit belongs to: www.manilatimes.net
