Manila: Four agriculture officials, part of the Philippine delegation that was stranded in Israel, have successfully arrived in Jordan, as confirmed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. This development comes amidst a tense situation in Israel, where airspace has been closed due to missile attacks from Iran, leaving 17 government officials, including mayors, temporarily unable to leave the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel shared in an ambush interview at the Paco public market in Manila that the officials had reached Jordan the previous night. The group was initially considering land travel to Egypt or Jordan to make their way back. From Jordan, the stranded officials will now proceed to Qatar, from where they will catch a flight back to Manila.

"I'm happy to say that they will be arriving on Saturday at 5 a.m. I just wish that the remaining part of the journey is safe," Tiu Laurel remarked, expressing relief about the progress made in ensuring the officials' return.

Earlier, Ilan Fluss, the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines, confirmed that the officials were in Israel for a study visit focused on learning best practices in dairy farming under the sponsorship of the Israeli government. Their official trip was initially scheduled to conclude on June 20.