ILOILO City – After being caught in the crossfire of heightened tnsions between Israel and Iran, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6 director Juan Jovian Ingeniero and 16 other Philippine government officials have safely returned to the country, following an emergency evacuation.
The group had traveled to Israel from June 9 to 20 for a study tour on sustainability and food security when the conflict escalated. Explosions erupted near their area, forcing the delegation to seek temporary shelter in bunkers before being relocated to Jordan for safety.
“While we were on the bus, there was bombing,” Ingeniero recalled during a press briefing, noting that the explosions occurred just 10 kilometers from where they were.
The delegation, which included local government officials and regional directors such as DILG Region 1 director Jonathan Paul Leusen, Jr., was later flown out through commercial flights via Dubai before arriving in Manila.
DILG secretary Benhur “Jonvic” Remulla personally welcomed the officials upon their arrival on the morning of June 21 at Gate 109, NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
“We are just happy that they are safely home. They went through so much. We were monitoring their situation 24/7 to ensure their safe return,” Remulla said.
Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais expressed gratitude to the DILG and the Philippine embassies in Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates for their swift coordination and support.
“They really took care of us. We are very thankful,” he said.
Despite the ordeal, Lupi, Camarines Sur mayor Lilian Matamarosa emphasized the value of the study tour. “What we learned about food security was very important. We can apply it in our municipalities.”
Secretary Remulla affirmed the government’s readiness to repatriate more Filipinos if the conflict worsens.
“If necessary, we are prepared to charter a Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific flight to bring our citizens safely back to their families,” he said./PN
