Kalinga OFW survives Hamas attack near Gaza, faces trauma

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A Kalinga OFW working near the Gaza Strip survives the surprise attack by the Hamas militants that killed over 1,200 civilians and soldiers in Israel on Oct. 07, 2023.

The assault began at dawn, involving air, sea, and land attacks, with Gaza-based militants firing missiles into Israeli territory. Heavily armed Hamas fighters breached border defenses, infiltrating cities, and targeting civilians. The militants fired upon residents, took hostages, and created scenes of terror.

Tragically, many lost their lives in the ruthless attack, while others miraculously survived.

One survivor of the Hamas attack is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Kalinga Province who encountered members of the Hamas militants.

According to Aimee Karell Tockiapao Obar, an officer of the Kalinga OFW Organization in Israel, Jane (identity withheld for her protection) was few kilometers away from Gaza when the Hamas brutal assault occurred.

Said OFW related that she witnessed the violence and saw the bodies of those who lost their lives in that area. Fortunately, she managed to escape, taking refuge in a bomb shelter, where she remained for six hours until rescue arrived.

Aimee said Jane is not able to communicate yet with the media due to the trauma she experienced during the attack.

There could be other Kalinga OFWs who experienced the same but their status is yet to be confirmed.

Challenges Faced by OFWs in Israel

Aimee shared with Station 1 Radio that although they had previously witnessed rockets flying over into Israel, the attack this time was different. It was much more massive and coordinated which overwhelmed Israeli defenses.

“Adda latta ti nerbiyos binigat, nirabii, haan makaturog ta haan ta ammu ti rockets manen ti tangatang. Every day kasla normal, ngem adda latta ti buteng. Naka-lock amin nga doors, window,” she said, further relating that militants could barge into houses and take lives randomly.

“Mabalin met mangyari kaniya mi dayta,” she added.

Nevertheless, they still carry on with their daily routines and jobs expressing gratitude for Israel's alarm siren system, which serves as a warning in the event of attacks or rocket threats, dictating a swift retreat to bomb shelters for safety and protection.

Reaching out to fellow OFWs

Living in a war zone, Aimee emphasized the importance of a support network and collective efforts to stay connected despite living far apart.

“Adda ti social media accounts ti Kalinga and Igorot ken dagitoy group chats mi ket dagitoy officials ket ag-kumkumusta ken agpaparemind kanyami. Sikami nga adda adayu (from Gaza), awan ti napasamak kanyami ngem dagitoy kababayan nga adda idiay mismo ti kaasi… Asi ti Apo ket adda dagiti nag-survive, adda dan ti shelters,” she related.

OWWA-Kalinga, meanwhile, informed that there are no yKalinga OFW casualties, adding that they remain to be alert when the need arises amid the escalating tension in Israel.

Around 30,000 Filipinos reside in Israel, with more than a hundred living in the Gaza Strip.

On Wednesday, October 11, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two Filipinos lost their lives in the conflict between Israeli forces and the Hamas group.

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