Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla personally welcomed 17 Philippine government officials who safely returned from a study tour in Israel, arriving early Saturday morning at Gate 109, NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

“We are just happy that they are safely home. Marami silang pinagdaanan. Talagang 24/7 nakamonitor tayo hanggang sa sila ay makauwi nang ligtas,” said Remulla in a press briefing.

The delegates were in Israel from June 9 to 20, 2025 for a study tour focused on sustainability and food security when tensions escalated between Israel and Iran.

As conflict broke out, the group had to seek temporary shelter in bunkers before being moved to Jordan. They then took commercial flights through Dubai and onward to Manila. “Habang nasa bus kami may nagbobomba,” said DILG Region 6 Regional Director Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, recounting the explosions that occurred just 10 kilometers from their location. He was joined by DILG Region 1 Regional Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr.

Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais expressed gratitude to the DILG and the Philippine embassies in Israel, Jordan, and Dubai. “On behalf of the LGUs, maraming, maraming salamat po Sec. Remulla at sa mga ambassadors sa personal ninyong pagsiguro sa aming kaligtasan. Inalagaan po kami nang husto at naging maayos po ang aming kalagayan,” he said.

Despite the ordeal, Lupi, Camarines Sur Mayor Lilian Matamarosa underscored the relevance of the mission. “Napakahalaga ng natutunan namin tungkol sa food security. Magagamit namin ito sa aming mga bayan,” she added.

Secretary Remulla also assured that the government is prepared to assist Filipinos in Israel should the situation escalate. “Kung kinakailangan na magcharter tayo ng isang PAL o Cebu Pacific flight, gagawin ng ating gobyerno para ligtas silang makauwi sa kani-kanilang mga pamilya,” he said, affirming that the DILG, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the President remain ready to respond.