President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced today that Noralyn Babadilla, the last unaccounted Filipino amid the Israel-Hamas war, has been released from Gaza. Babadilla’s freedom comes just days after concerns were raised about her whereabouts.
Babadilla, who went missing following the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, was freed by the Palestinian militant group, according to President Marcos.
With Babadilla’s release, President Marcos assured the nation that all Filipinos affected by the war have been accounted for. He also instructed the officials of the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv to provide Babadilla’s needs in coordination with Israeli authorities.
President Marcos expressed his gratitude to Israeli authorities for their assistance to Filipinos in Israel. He also acknowledged the role of the Egypt and Qatar governments in the successful exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed Babadilla’s release and expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts of Qatar that led to her freedom. The DFA also thanked Israel for agreeing to the conditions that facilitated the release of more hostages, including Babadilla, and for their ongoing assistance to Filipino nationals in Israel.
The DFA extended their recognition to Egypt, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other international organizations for their support and participation in the process.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 29, 2023
