3 Eastern Visayas mayors stranded in Israel due to conflict

Three town mayors from Eastern Visayas, including Barugo Mayor Aron Balais, Lawaan Mayor Athene Mendros, and Hindang Mayor Betty Cabal, are stranded in Israel due to escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.

The officials were part of a study visit organized by Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation focused on sustainability and food security funded by the Israeli government.

Balais reported that their delegation of 17 Philippine government officials has been taking shelter in a bomb-proof bunker near their hotel, with all borders and airspace closed due to the conflict.

Communication disruptions have hindered efforts to exit the country via Jordan, which is also chaotic; however, they await further instructions from the Philippine embassy and are scheduled to travel by bus to Jordan before flying out to Dubai for repatriation.

The Philippine Embassy in Israel has established a Crisis Management Team to provide relief goods and prepare for the return of affected officials, while families back home anxiously await their safe return.

Balais confirmed that the delegation remains in contact with the Philippine embassy, and a deputy ambassador visited them on Sunday.