In Beirut, Filipino workers bear witness to Israel's attacks

For the past several days, Filipino workers Myra, May, and Arlene have been witnesses to the airstrikes of Israeli forces on the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

Just yesterday, they heard- and felt- another explosion.

Myra Aragon recounted, "(The) whole building shook, we really thought the bombing was right next to us."

Despite the dangers they also face, members of the Filipino community like May are also helping other Pinoys in different parts of Lebanon who are currently facing a dangerous situation due to the Israeli forces' attacks.

Since last Friday, consecutive explosions have shattered the silence in the Lebanese capital. Airstrikes by the Israeli Air Force are reportedly aimed at crippling and destroying the headquarters of Hezbollah and its forces.

Specifically targeted are Hezbollah’s command centers, storage facilities, and weapon factories at the outskirts of Beirut.

The Israel military previously stated that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah for over three decades, was killed by an airstrike.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, six people were killed, and over 90 were wounded in the attack.

Due to the incessant explosions, Filipinos who have lived in Lebanon for some time are now feeling a different kind of anxiety, as May Servento expressed, "My whole body is still trembling because it's my first time experiencing this... so until now, I'm still trembling."

Nevertheless, some like Arlene Torrid have made the decision not to return to the Philippines as of the moment, especially those who have families in Lebanon. But Arlene mentioned, "But if the situation really worsens, that might be the last option, to return."

Since last year, during the peak of the Israel-Hamas war, Lebanon has been at Alert Level 3. However, the Philippine Embassy in Beirut is said to be operating at a level similar to Alert Level 4 or that of preparing for evacuation.

As per the Department of Foreign Affairs data, there are over 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon. The embassy noted that around a thousand Filipinos working or residing in Lebanon have registered for repatriation back to the Philippines. —RF, GMA Integrated News