Philippines stands with Israel vs. Hamas attacks — Marcos

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday that the Philippines stands with Israel following the deadly attacks by Palestinian militant group Hamas. 

Marcos gave the assurance as Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss met him at the Malacañang Palace to discuss the latest situation in Israel. 

The Presidential Communications Office said that Marcos expressed his concern for the three Filipinos who remain unaccounted for.

For his part, Fluss guaranteed that Israel is doing all it can to ensure the safety of Filipinos. 

The Philippine government also expressed gratitude to Israel, specifically the Israeli Defense Forces, for rescuing over 20 Filipinos and bringing them to safety.

Two Filipinos were killed following the attack by Hamas on Israel, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said. 

Labor Attaché Rudy Gabasan said one of the fatalities was gunned down by the members of the militant group as they tried to open the doors of their residence. The other fatality was supposedly seized by Hamas, he added.

In an earlier statement, Marcos said he was saddened by the deaths of two Filipinos amid the ongoing conflict in Israel and denounced the violence in the country.

"My heart is heavy upon hearing confirmation of the deaths of two Filipinos in Israel. The Philippines condemns these killings and stands firmly against the ongoing terror and violence," the President said.

Another Filipino fatality is still being confirmed through DNA testing, the Philippine Embassy in Israel said.  —VBL, GMA Integrated News