Last remaining Filipino in Gaza City safe, says envoy

A nun, the only Filipino remaining in the besieged territory of Gaza, is believed to be safe but does not want to leave despite the raging war between Israel and Palestine, according to the Philippine Embassy in Jordan.

Filipino Ambassador to Amman Wilfredo Santos said on Tuesday that they have received information “that the church where the Filipino nun is staying in Gaza City is still standing and holding masses for parishioners.”

“Although we have not established contact with her—the church’s landline appears to have been disabled—indications are that the Filipino nun is safe but has decided to remain in Gaza to complete her mission,” Santos said in a message sent to reporters.

The nun was earlier identified as 63 years old and a member of the Missionaries of Charity, a congregation founded by Saint Teresa.

READ: Gov’t working on repatriation of 14 Filipinos from Gaza – envoy

Since war broke out between Hamas forces in Palestine and Israel in October last year, 136 Filipinos in Gaza have been evacuated by the Philippine government through Egypt.

The last batch of repatriates composed of 14 Filipinos with two Palestine relatives is expected to arrive on Feb. 21. —Dona Z. Pazzibugan