Jerusalem: Seventeen Filipino local government officials, including mayors, find themselves stranded in Israel due to the closure of airspace and airports following Iran's retaliatory air raids. Israel's Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, confirmed the situation on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the stranded officials are part of a Philippine delegation on a study visit aimed at exchanging best practices in dairy farming. The 17 officials, along with five other Filipino visitors, are in Israel under the sponsorship of the Israeli government.
Ambassador Fluss assured that the delegation is being well taken care of by the Israeli government, which is actively seeking solutions to facilitate their return to the Philippines. "All of them are being taken care of by the Israeli government and we are also looking for ways to send them back to the Philippines - this is our responsibility and our commitment," Fluss told reporters.
He emphasized that the stranded individuals are being provided with food, lodging, and other necessities. "They are doing fine, of course it's not a pleasant situation," Fluss added. Efforts are being doubled to ensure their quick return, although the process is complicated by the need for special permits from neighboring countries.
"You have to understand that we are under fire, airspace in Israel is closed. We are trying to facilitate a way out because there are other countries in the region, it needs all kinds of special permits by other governments," Fluss explained. The ambassador expressed hope for a swift resolution and the safe return of the officials.
Among the stranded officials are Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais; Lawaan, Eastern Samar Mayor Athene Mendros; and Hindang, Leyte Mayor Betty Cabal. In a message to journalists in Tacloban, Mayor Balais described their experience of taking shelter in a bomb-proof bunker near their hotel. "In the past three days, we have been exploring where to exit, but all borders and airspace are closed. Our plan is to exit via Jordan, but it is very chaotic there," Balais stated. The officials were originally scheduled to conclude their trip on June 20.
