Role of PH Embassy Jordan’s Emergency Management Team in Repatriating 111 Filipinos in Gaza via Rafah Border Highlighted
The faces behind: Philippine Embassy in Amman Emergency Management Team (EMT) monitors the well-being of the Filipino nationals in the Gaza Strip non-stop, 24/7, since 08 October 2023. (Amman PE Photo)
AMMAN 21 November 2023 — After more than a month of waiting and enduring the relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip, a total of 111 out of the 137 Filipino nationals (81%), with the guidance of the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, successfully crossed the Rafah Border on 13 November 2023 in five batches since 07 November 2023.
Since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas on 07 October 2023, the Philippine Embassy in Jordan, headed by Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos, activated its Emergency Management Team (EMT) to monitor the situation on the ground and to ascertain the conditions of the Filipinos in the Gaza Strip. Specifically, the EMT built its database of Filipinos in the Gaza Strip, and operated non-stop to contact them every day to check their status and to coordinate with them to ensure their safe exit from Gaza.
The Philippine Embassy in Jordan has concurrent jurisdiction over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, State of Palestine.
The Embassy also coordinated with the Philippine Embassies in Israel and Egypt, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Gaza to ensure all possible assistance was extended to the Filipino community there. In a statement, Ambassador Santos commended the Amman PE EMT for their invaluable service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to ensure the safety of Filipino nationals in the Gaza Strip. The EMT Team consists of Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo, Third Secretary and Vice Consul and Assistance-To-Nationals (ATN) Section Head Sheila Marie G. Andales, ATN Officer Francisco Magno, ATN Officer Ma. Jolina Guerrero, ATN Translator/Interpreter Issa Mofleh, and Cultural Officer Elijah I. Ang-Encarnacion. In support are Second Secretary Michael Ragnar G. Supeña, Administrative Officer John Danilo Jiao, Jr., Consular Assistant Mariella S. Masiglat, Collecting Officer Jocelyn B. Naputo, Property Officer Teresa M. Modesto, Secretary to the Ambassador Rachel Joy A. Pamorada, and Finance Officer Gerian Q. Abrillo.
As of this writing, there are no reported casualties among Filipinos in the besieged enclave. A total of 26 Filipinos have decided to remain in Gaza. END
The Philippine Embassy in Jordan holds a meeting on Sunday to activate its Emergency Management Team (EMT). Photo shows Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C, Santos (4th from left) with Third Secretary and Vice Consul Angeli A.Payumo (3rd from left) and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Maria G. Andales together with the Embassy staff on 08 October 2023. (Amman PE Photo)
Left photo: Philippine Embassy in Jordan Team headed by Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos (center). Right photo clockwise: Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo José A. de Vega, Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin H. Tago, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro “Junie” Laylo, Jr., Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” R. Luistro, and Chair of the House Committee on Public Information Ron P. Salo on 11 October 2023. (Amman PE Photo)
One of the late night meetings of the EMT. (Amman PE Photo)
Media Engagements of Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C. Santos. (Amman PE Photo)
EMT Support Team
For more information, visit www.ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philembassy-amman.net or https://www.facebook.com/ammanpe.