21 PH gov't officials stranded in Israel arrive in PH
The officials — 17 local government officials who attended an agricultural technology training and four dairy industry specialists of the Department of Agriculture — were met at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Of the 17 officials, two were congressmen, nine mayors, four vice mayors, and two regional directors.
It was an emotional homecoming for the stranded officials, as seen in a video taken by GMA Integrated News reporter Bea Pinlac.
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss earlier said the 21 Filipinos were attended to by the Israeli government.
"All of them have been taken care of by the Israeli government, and we are also looking for ways to send them back to the Philippines. This is our responsibility and our commitment… I can tell you that they are getting fed, lodging, and whatever they need. We are catering for, and I know that they are doing fine. Of course, it's not a pleasant situation,' Fluss said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco "Kiko" Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said the stranded Filipinos were fearful as their hotels were bombed.
The officials took a land trip to Jordan, then went to Dubai for the flight back to Manila. —KG, GMA Integrated News
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