Defending ban on deployment of workers to Israel, DFA says PHL has duty to protect Pinoys

Defending the Philippine government's decision to ban temporarily the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Israel, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the country has a duty to protect its citizens, especially in conflict-hit areas. In a news release on Saturday, the DFA said it "takes exception to the recent statement of the Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines criticizing the Philippine Government’s decision to temporarily ban the new deployment of Filipino workers to Israel."   “The Philippine Government has the sovereign duty and prerogative to protect all its nationals wherever they may be, especially those caught in conflict areas. No other State can substitute its judgment over that of the Philippine Government regarding the welfare of its own nationals,” it added.   Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Menashe Bar-On earlier asked the DFA to lift its deployment ban “within days” as the conflict in the Middle East state already “clamed down.”   Still, DFA said it may review the deployment ban in Israel issued last month provided that ceasefire between Israelis and Palestinian continues.   “The Philippine Government welcomes the ceasefire in Gaza and hopes that this will usher in lasting peace and stability there. In due time, the Alert Level for Israel and Gaza may be reviewed if the ceasefire continues to hold,” the DFA stated.   On November 20, DFA issued Alert Level 2 (restriction Phase) for Central and Southern Israel, banning the deployment of new hires in that country. Under the same order, DFA issued Alert level 4 for Gaza City in Palestine that seeks mandatory repatriation of Filipinos.   Likewise, a travel advisory was issued warning Filipinos against traveling to Gaza and to defer travel to Central and Southern Israel. There is no travel ban on Israel but tourists are advised to take necessary precaution.   The Jewish state and the Palestinian territory’s conflict has long existed.   Last month, Israel launched a military strike in Gaza, in an offensive dubbed as Operation Pillar of Defense, following days of rocket attacks from Gaza.   The assault resulted in the assassination of Hamas military commander Ahmad Jabari, who had long been on Israel's most wanted list for several deadly attacks and the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit in 2006. - VVP, GMA News