[In photo: (L-R) Consular Officer Luisa Arino, Deputy Ambassador Ester Buzgan, Ambassador Ilan Fluss, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan]
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss hosted today Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan to strengthen coordination between the government agencies and have a better understanding of the situation in Israel.
They were joined by Deputy Ambassador Ester Buzgan and Consular Officer Luisa Arino.
According to Ambassador Fluss, operation “Rising Lion” is an act of self-defense, aimed at removing an imminent threat to the State of Israel.
He noted the emergency situation in Israel impacts not only the lives of Israeli locals but also of non-Israelis living in the country.
Ambassador Fluss reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to the safety, security, welfare, and well-being of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos in Israel.
He clarified OFWs are treated exactly as Israelis and are a vital part of Israel’s society and family. He said, “They are given the same safety mechanisms as Israelis do, including early alerts of missile attacks, shelters and safe rooms.”
He also highlighted that the four Filipinos injured by an Iranian ballistic missile that targeted Israeli civilian population are getting the best medical treatment by Israeli hospitals and doctors.
With Secretary Cacdac raising the issue of repatriation of OFWs who would like to return to the Philippines, Ambassador Fluss promised to keep open channels of communication and close coordination.
In closing, Ambassador Fluss stressed that in challenging times, the Embassy remains a trusted partner, standing in solidarity with the Filipino people, and ready to extend meaningful support to them and their families.
(L-R: Ambassador Ilan Fluss and DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac)
