President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. recently met overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel Jimmy Pacheco and Camille Jesalva, in Malacañang.
The two OFWs were both survivors of the Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7.
Pacheco, employed as a caregiver in Israel, endured more than 40 days in captivity by the militant group. He arrived in the Philippines on Monday, Dec. 18, marking the end of a harrowing ordeal.
He was one of the two Filipinos held captive during the Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 1,000 lives.
Released on Nov. 24 during the first truce, Pacheco shared his firsthand account of the attack during the meeting. He described the group’s infiltration of their kibbutz and the death of his Israeli ward due to the militants’ gunfire. “They beat me, pointed a gun at me, made me kneel, and then they deafened my ears,’ he also said.
Pacheco narrated the challenges he faced while in captivity, including moving through tunnels to avoid Israeli troops amidst intense bombardment.
Jesalva, 31, a caregiver from Nueva Ecija, became an instant hero in Israel for her bravery, dedication, and loyalty during Hamas’ onslaught.
Her story garnered admiration from the Israeli public as she refused to leave her 95-year-old employer, Nitza Hefetz, during the attack on Nirim Kibbutz on the Gaza-Israel border.
The two were later rescued by responding troops from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
President Marcos said he was pleased to meet Pacheco and Jesalva and that they returned home safely.
Senator Francis Tolentino on Saturday meanwhile praised the strength and determination of Pacheco who is now in his hometown in Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley.
“This shows not only your strength and determination but also that of our countrymen,” said the senator.
Upon hearing Pacheco’s stories, Tolentino noted that despite the survival, there is still trauma to overcome.
“Here we can see your heroism and love for family, so we salute what you went through. I know it will not be removed from your thoughts for a long time,” he said.
Tolentino suggested that more standby funds be allocated to OFWs who will go to dangerous places. “Not just repatriation, but until they can return to normal life.“
The Israeli government provided Pacheco and his family lifetime social security benefits and regular stipends similar to those given to Israelis who are victims of terrorist attacks.
Pacheco worked as a caregiver for five years in Israel and will continue to receive financial help and livelihood assistance from the Philippine government.
The Israeli hostages released included four children accompanied by four family members and five other elderly women.