
MANILA – 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 said it has since deployed a rapid response team to provide immediate assistance to the victims.
Israel is currently locked in retaliatory missile attacks with Iran.
Among those injured are a 43-year-old woman who underwent emergency surgery and a 44-year-old man who sustained wounds to his arm and leg.
The embassy said both are being treated at the Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot.
Embassy officials are working closely with hospital social workers and the Rehovot local government to ensure that the victims receive proper post-hospital care, including 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. She reportedly 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 Attaché Josah Agan.
The Embassy said it will continue coordinating with relevant Philippine agencies, Israeli authorities, and local Filipino community leaders.
It also urged Filipinos in Israel to remain vigilant and to contact them for assistance if needed.
PAF ready for possible repatriation
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is ready to deploy its air assets, especially its transport aircraft, should the government order the immediate repatriation of Filipino nationals in Israel.
"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 in a message to reporters late Sunday.
She also added that PAF aircraft like the Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft are always on stand-by for these missions. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)