With Babadilla release, all Pinoy Hamas hostages accounted for - Israeli Embassy

Filipino caregiver Noralyn “Nataly” Babadilla, who was a recently released hostage of Hamas, is now undergoing medical assessment with other released hostages.

According to a statement by the Israeli Embassy in Manila, all Filipino nationals have now been accounted for and will be receiving benefits and support that Israel has been providing other victims.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain for the safe release of the 150+ hostages, including 9 children, still held in captivity by the terror organization Hamas. The Israeli government is committed and will do whatever is needed to bring all the hostages back home,” the statement read.

Babadilla is a dual citizen who was visiting her friends at Kibbutz Nirim with her partner, Gideon Babani, when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

Babani was killed during the attacks and Babadilla was taken captive by the militant group for 53 days before her release.

“The Israeli Embassy in Manila expresses great relief upon the release of Ms. Noralin "Nataly" Babadilla from captivity by Hamas after 53 days,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the DMW extended their thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as other foreign governments, for their efforts in securing Babadilla’s release.

“We at the Department of Migrant Workers welcome with sheer joy the release of our Kababayan Noralyn Babadilla from Gaza, and her safe crossing into Israel. We thank God for her safety and well-being,” DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac said in a statement.

The DMW added that Noralyn, and other returning OFWs, will be welcomed and provided with the necessary support upon her return.

The release of the hostages followed an agreement between Israel and Hamas to share a day of respite and an exchange of 3 prisoners from Israel in return for every 10 hostages released by Hamas.

Israel clarified that the return of all hostages was one of their supreme obligations and that the agreed respite was not a ceasefire.

“Following the murderous Hamas terror attack on October 7, Israel is operating to topple Hamas rule, destroy its military capabilities, eliminate the threat posed to its citizens from the Gaza Strip and to bring back home all the hostages. With the realization of the outline and at the end of the days of respite, the IDF will resume its activities at full strength, until the goals of the war are realized,” Israel said in their statement. —RF, GMA Integrated News