PH remembers four Filipino victims of Oct 7. Hamas attack
Metro Manila, Philippines– The Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv and the Filipino community there marked the first anniversary of the tragic October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel.
They remembered the 1,200 victims, including four Filipinos - Paul Vincent Castelvi, Loreta Alacre, Angelyn Aguirre, and Grace Cabrera - on Monday.
“We remember and pay tribute to their lives. May their memories be a blessing forever,” said the embassy in a statement.
The Philippine government also calls for the release of hostages and a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the region.
Security advisory issued
As tensions in the Middle East continue, the Philippine embassy has issued a warning, advising Filipinos in Israel to avoid certain areas for security reasons.
In an advisory, the embassy mentioned areas to steer clear of:
+ Jerusalem: Temple Mount, Damascus Gate, Herod's Gate, Al Wad Road, Musrara Road, and East Jerusalem
+ West Bank
+ Areas near the borders of Gaza and Lebanon
+ Golan Heights
+ Locations close to military installations, power, and water facilities
The embassy also discouraged Filipinos from visiting crowded places like malls and markets for non-essential purposes and warned against attending large gatherings such as concerts, rallies, and festivals.
“Sa unang senyales ng panganib, lumikas kaagad at tumungo sa ligtas na lugar [At the first sign of danger, evacuate immediately and head to a safe place],” the advisory stated.
It also urged caution when using public transportation and advised Filipinos to avoid approaching Israeli security forces stationed in sensitive areas, encouraging them to follow instructions from the Home Front Command.
