Tel Aviv: Three Filipino nationals sustained moderate to critical injuries when a missile struck their residence in Israel on Sunday, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv said on Monday. The Embassy has since deployed a rapid response team to provide immediate assistance to the victims.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Embassy reported that Israel is currently engaged in retaliatory missile attacks with Iran. Among the injured are a 43-year-old woman who underwent emergency surgery and a 44-year-old man with wounds to his arm and leg. Both are receiving treatment at the Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot.
Embassy officials are collaborating with hospital social workers and the Rehovot local government to ensure the victims receive proper post-hospital care. This includes relocation to shelters, access to due compensation, and rehabilitation support. A third victim, a Filipina caregiver, remains in critical condition at the intensive care unit of Shamir Medical Center, having sustained severe injuries to her heart and lungs.
"We are doing everything within our means to reach and assist our nationals affected by this crisis," Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families, especially our kababayan who is now fighting for her life. We ask the Filipino community to join us in praying for her survival and healing."
The Embassy's rapid response team includes Consul Patricia Narajos, Vice Consul and ICU-registered nurse Teri Bautista, and Attach© Josah Agan. They will continue coordinating with relevant Philippine agencies, Israeli authorities, and local Filipino community leaders. Filipinos in Israel are urged to remain vigilant and contact the embassy for assistance if needed.
In response to the situation, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is prepared for possible repatriation efforts. "We are ready to respond in any eventuality that our air assets are needed through our inter-agency efforts for evacuation," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said. She noted that aircraft like the Lockheed C-130 transport are on stand-by for these missions.
