Four Filipinos, with one of them in critical condition, were injured due to Iran’s retaliatory attacks against Israel, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
A Filipino is hospitalized after sustaining injuries from Iran’s retaliatory airstrikes on Israel. (Photo from the Philippine Embassy in Israel)
In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday midnight, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv said that a Filipina caregiver is in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit of Shamir Medical Center.
The embassy furthered that two of the injured—a 43-year-old woman who underwent emergency surgery and a 44-year-old man with injuries to his arm and leg—are currently receiving treatment at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot.
The embassy assured that a rapid response team “has extended immediate assistance” to the three Filipinos.
“The Embassy is coordinating with hospital social workers and the Rehovot local government to ensure that, upon discharge, the victims will be transferred to appropriate shelters, granted their due compensation and benefits, and properly assisted in their recovery,” the statement added.
However, the embassy admitted that the Filipina caregiver in the ICU remains in critical condition since she sustained severe injuries to her heart and lungs.
“Her doctors and nurses say they are doing everything they can, but her condition remains life-threatening,” the embassy said.
This statement was released by the embassy after DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega told the media that four Filipinos were injured in the Iranian attacks.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola-Rau promised to do everything “within our means” to assist Filipinos affected by the crisis.
“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,” she said.
Meanwhile, in a separate advisory, the embassy announced that it would “remain closed until further notice” as it is following the recent guidelines from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Front Command that prohibits gatherings and work operations.
“Filipinos in Israel are urged to follow the IDF’s security guidelines and the Embassy’s safety advisories,” the embassy furthered, adding that those with existing scheduled passport appointments will be contacted for instructions.
It also assured that it is currently coordinating with Philippine government agencies, Israeli authorities, and Filipino community leaders “to ensure that all affected Filipinos receive the help they need.”
For urgent concerns, the embassy can be reached via its emergency hotline number +972 54-4661188.
On Sunday, Iran and Israel exchanged attacks, with Israel hitting the Iranian capital of Tehran for the third straight day.
At least 224 people have been killed by Israeli strikes on Iran, while more than 100 people have been injured and 10 killed by Iran’s attacks on Israel, according to the latest figures.
This follows Israel’s sudden attack on Iran last week, citing its longtime enemy’s alleged plan to annihilate Israel.
Iran retaliated with its own airstrikes on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on the same day.
