Metro Manila, Philippines — Two Filipinos have been killed as the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas rages on, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said.
Manalo confirmed this development in a social media post Wednesday.
“The Philippines condemns the killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as a result of Hamas actions against Israel,” he said.
Manalo said the Philippine government was committed to cooperate with other nations for the “long-lasting resolution to the conflict, in accordance with pertinent UN Security Council Resolutions and the general principles of international law.”
The official also assured Filipino nationals currently entangled in the rising conflict that the national government would provide assistance.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also expressed grief over the deaths.
“My heart is heavy upon hearing confirmation of the deaths of two Filipinos in Israel,” Marcos said in a statement. “The Philippines condemns these killings and stands firmly against the ongoing terror and violence.”
In a separate briefing, Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos said that there are a total of 51 Filipinos in Gaza requesting repatriation.
Late last night, the Philippine Embassy in Israel said six more Filipinos remained missing. Twenty-three Filipinos, meanwhile, have already been rescued or found.
