By Junex Doronio
SAYING THAT THE Department of National Defense (DND) is ready to provide assistance in the country’s repatriation efforts for Filipinos in Israel, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Friday disclosed that the Philippines is monitoring any possible spillover effects of the Israeli-Hamas armed confrontation.
Teodoro expressed apprehension that some elements may ride on the ongoing conflict in the small country in the Middle East.
“We’re monitoring possible spillover or copycat effects pero ngayon wala pa kaming nakikita,” Teodoro told reporters.
Hamas militants launched their “surprise” attack last October 7 reportedly killing more than 1,000 people and taking scores of hostages to Gaza.
Three Filipinos were reported killed in the ongoing war.
“Anybody can copy whatever you know happened in the Middle East. Disruptors, let’s call that or extremists. Any country in any part of the world, even in Europe, is on high alert for the possible effects of this on their security situations,” Teodoro said.
He pointed out that terrorism knows no borders.
“There have been ISIS spinoffs in France, in the UK. Terrorism is a possibility anywhere so I’m not confining it to any particular group,” Teodoro added.
Anticipating the worsening condition in Israel, the defense chief assured its readiness to facilitate the repatriation of Filipinos.
“We are ready, willing, and able to facilitate repatriation. That’s the duty of not only the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] but also the OCD [Office of Civil Defense] actually, the NDRRMC [National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council],” he said. (ai/mnm)