Bayanihan alive among Filipinos waiting to cross Gaza-Egypt border

Bayanihan—the Filipino brand of coming to another's aid in times of adversity—is apparently alive among the 135 waiting for evacuation at the Gaza-Egypt border, the Philippine ambassador to Jordan has said.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras”, the Filipinos were among the thousands of foreigners on the Gaza side of the Rafah border to wait for the opening of the vital crossing to Egypt.

“So far they have told us that they are alright. I wouldn't say safe because they also hear some explosions but not in their immediate neighborhoods,” Ambassador Wilfredo Santos said.

“The good thing to know is that several of our countrymen are helping one another. In fact, a community leader in Southern Gaza helped the Filipinos who relocated and offered her two apartments to house our countrymen,” he added.

“This is proof that the bayanihan spirit among Filipinos in Gaza is very much alive,” Santos said.

The Filipinos waiting for evacuation at the border include 51 minors, 109 who are married to Palestinians, three who are visiting Gaza, two volunteer doctors from an international organization, and one overseas Filipino worker.

Also in the group is a 12-day-old infant who was born on the day of Hamas’ attack on October 7.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-sisi on Wednesday night said he would grant the US request to open the border for humanitarian aid if Israel imposed a ceasefire.

A Reuters report said over 100 trucks were waiting close to the crossing on the Egyptian side on Thursday, though it was not expected that aid would enter before Friday. More aid is being held in the Egyptian city of Al Arish, about 45 km (28 miles) from Rafah.

Water and electricity supplies in Gaza are running out while food markets are slowly closing.

Santos said the embassy was prepared for the possible evacuation of the trapped Filipinos following the announcement of the opening of the border.

“We were told by our Embassy in Israel to be ready any time soon for the signal for our nationals to move out and proceed to the border. Because the border might be open anytime. We just don't know when,” Santos said.

Individuals who will be allowed to pass the border may be escorted by Egyptian forces. They will be transported to Northern Sinai to the Suez Canal. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News