No Filipino hurt in Iran air strikes vs. Israel, says embassy in Tel Aviv

The recent air rocket attacks launched by Iran at Israel did not result in any injuries among Filipinos in the area, attributed to the vigilance and preparedness of the locals with the help of alert apps and air rocket sirens.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has received reports indicating that Iran may potentially release hundreds of ballistic missiles, prompting immediate advisories to the Filipino community in Israel, coinciding with a separate incident in Israel.

"While we are preparing for the missile attack, a shooting incident occurred, and we are unsure if they are connected," Vice Consul Teri Bautista said.

"However, they happened almost simultaneously. Our fellow Filipinos were on alert, and some of them had already taken refuge in their safe rooms in response to the earlier warning of an incoming missile. When news broke of a shooting in Tel Aviv, almost all our Filipinos here were already in shelters."

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based and is a key factor in Iran's retaliation, the Israeli military continues its offensive.

Despite these recent attacks, some Filipinos, who are far from the epicenter of the explosions, have opted to delay their return to the Philippines, citing their need for work and the option to relocate to the mountainous regions of Lebanon.

The Department of Migrant Workers stated that flights for Filipinos prepared for repatriation remain canceled, but there is a possibility that these may proceed in the coming weeks of October, as per discussions with the airline company.

Furthermore, arrangements for chartered flights from Lebanon to the Philippines are being finalized to facilitate the safe return of Filipino nationals. — BM, GMA Integrated News