Travel to Israel restricted

Amid the threat of escalated suicide bombings, the Philippine government warned yesterday Filipino pilgrims and overseas workers to avoid traveling to Israel at this time.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Virgilio Angelo said all Filipinos should reconsider their travel plans to Israel or take the necessary safety precautions if the trip cannot be avoided.

"The Philippine Embassy in Israel is not taking any chances in protecting Filipinos contracted to work there or those who wish to go there as tourists despite Israel’s assessment of normal and stable security and capability to defend itself in any form of attack," Angelo said.

According to the OWWA chief, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued the warning to all Filipino citizens based on the information gathered from other countries sending workers to Israel.

But a source said the DFA issued the advisory because of threat of intensified suicide bombings in Israel as a result of the prevailing conflict between the United States and Iraq.

"OFWs in Israel have long been advised to take precautionary measures against suicide bombings but this time DFA is issuing advisory to Israel-bound Filipinos in anticipation of possible stepped-up suicide bombings," said the source, who requested anonymity.

The official explained that some militant Palestinians might show their support for their Muslim brothers in Iraq by mounting stepped-up suicide bombing attacks.

At least four OFWs were killed and 10 others injured due to suicide bombings in Israel in the last two years.

There are over 30,000 Filipino workers employed in Israel, a majority of whom are caregivers and undocumented.

Earlier, OWWA also cautioned workers bound for Saudi Arabia to take the necessary precautions amid the increasing tension between the US and Iraq.

Angelo, who visited seven countries in the Middle East recently, assured the public that the estimated 1.4 million OFWs in the region are safe despite the prevailing conflict that could turn into war anytime.