AFP More Pinoys in Israel seek repatriation

Twenty-six Filipinos in Israel were repatriated yesterday, the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv said.

- By PIA LEE-BRAGO

The 26 Filipinos were among the 223 who requested for voluntary repatriation. Five were assessed to cross into Jordan on June 19.

The embassy strongly urged yesterday for Filipinos in Israel to remain indoors, as the entire country was placed under Essential Activity status following the United States strikes on Iran's three main nuclear sites.

The embassy said it was the Israel Defense Forces who announced its new advisory from Limited Activity status, to Essential Activity status.

"In other words, no classes in all academic institutions. Gatherings of all kinds are prohibited.

No work for all companies, except for those that provide essential services," the embassy said.

"The embassy strongly advises all Filipinos in Israel to remain inside their homes, and to be ready to seek shelter, use a safe room or Mamad (protected room inside a home) in the event of a missile alert," it said.