OFW Jimmy Pacheco to spend Christmas in PH, DFA assures freed Hamas hostage

Newly freed Hamas hostage Jimmy Pacheco will spend Christmas in the Philippines, according to a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on Sunday's "24 Oras Weekend".

This was the assurance given by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials on Sunday. Pacheco is currently recuperating after his months-long ordeal in a hospital in Tel Aviv.

Philippine Ambassador Junie Laylo thanked the Israeli government for Pacheco’s release and care.  Photos show that despite losing weight, Pacheco was in good spirits.

Pacheco's experience, however, left the father of three traumatized.

“Right now when he is asked for details (of his capture), he would burst into tears. He has emotional trauma,” said DFA Undersecretary Eduard de Vega.

“They had no idea where they were being kept, whether it was underground, since it was so dark. Maybe in time he will open up more. He just wants to spend Christmas back home,” De Vega added.

 
The Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA) said they are working on Pacheco’s repatriation, hopefully by next week.

“We are currently arranging his return to Manila so he could be with his family,” said OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio.
 

The Israeli government also promised to give the 33-year old Filipino caregiver full lifetime benefits.

Pacheco was released along with 10 Thai workers held by Hamas last November 24. They have been in captivity in Gaza City since the surprise attack on Israel by the militant Palestinian group since he and more than 200 other people were kidnapped on October 7.

At the time of the assault, Pacheco was taking —care of an 80-year old Israeli man who unfortunately died at the hands of Hamas. He had been an OFW in the Jewish state for the past four years.
 

The DFA said they are still coordinating with Israel and other countries to find missing OFW Noralyn Babadilla who is believed to be a Hamas hostage in Gaza.—Rhoel Fernandez, GMA Integrated News.