Hamas hostage survivor Jimmy Pacheco out of hospital

Jimmy Pacheco, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) recently freed by Hamas, has been discharged from a hospital in Israel, the Israeli Embassy said Monday. 

“Jimmy Pacheco is released from hospital. He is sent off with love,” the Embassy said.

Jimmy Pacheco, the Filipino hostage who was recently freed by Hamas, has been discharged from Shamir Medical Center in Israel, the Israeli Embassy says. @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/dBaEs9BUhQ

— Giselle Ombay (@giselleombay_) November 27, 2023

Pacheco, who was only released by Hamas on November 24, got out of Shamir Medical Center on November 26. 

According to the Foreign Affairs Department, Pacheco was in good health and recuperating at a hotel.

The OFW had told Philippine Embassy officials that he had lost 11 kilos during the 49 days he was held captive.

"May emotional issue sya, stress pero physically there is nothing wrong," DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said in Sandra Aguinaldo's Monday 24 Oras report. "Kailangan nya magpalakas kasi nag lose sya ng weight.... Uuwi  nga sya. Ang most likely date ay December 15, thereabouts."

Meanwhile, the Israel's Embassy in Manila said that Pacheco's benefits as a victim of terrorism was being processed.

"I was exchanging messages with his wife," said Israel's Ambassador Ilan Fluss. "I had tears in my eyes that he is back. I am very happy for his family."

Pacheco's family is set to meet the OFW when he arrives as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration was arranging to bring the family to Manila from Cagayan.  

Pacheco was freed along with 10 Thai workers held by Hamas. They have been in captivity in Gaza City since the surprise attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant 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 died at the hands of Hamas. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Sunday that the OFW will spend Christmas in the Philippines.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), meanwhile, said they are working on Pacheco’s repatriation, hopefully by next week.—Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA Integrated News