By Liza Soriano
Representative Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of the Second District of Batangas province on Saturday called for the implementation of a forced evacuation of Filipinos in war-torn Gaza amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
“As of now, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is implementing a voluntary repatriation of our Overseas Filipino Workers in war-torn Gaza. This can only mean that only those who would choose to leave. This cannot be the approach as time is critical. We should contact each and every Filipino in Gaza and order them to leave and find a way to lead them home”, said Luistro.
Israel has issued an evacuation order for the people of Gaza. Analysts are saying that this is probably preparatory to a ground invasion against the militant Hamas group.
“With Israel’s blockade and cutting off of electricity and supplies, including food and fuel, the situation for the people in Gaza, including around 131 Filipino stragglers there, has gone from very difficult to impossible.”
“I humbly suggest creating a high-level emergency team composed of undersecretaries from the DFA, the Department of National Defense, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. The team should be led a by military general, retired or incumbent, with field experience. Most important, the team should come up with an evacuation plan, ASAP. They should be up and running to Israel and not be on standby here. The war is in Gaza. Our officials with resources on hand should already be there”, Luistro said.
(ai/mnm)