Philippine returnees from Gaza ‘feel abandoned’ as government aid dries up, leaving families homeless

The Philippines has been accused of ‘neglect’ for giving repatriated Filipino-Palestinian families limited funds and only a three-day hotel stay

Activists say Manila must not only support their well-being and reintegration but class this group as refugees, amid fears they will be ‘tagged as terrorists’

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Revelina and Annel returned to the Philippines with their families from Gaza in November 2023. Photo: Michael Beltran

Published: 8:30am, 12 Dec 2023Updated: 1:45pm, 12 Dec 2023

More than 60 members of Filipino-Palestinian families remain housed inside the University of the Philippines (UP) after struggling to find shelter since their repatriation from war-torn Gaza.

They will only be allowed to stay with the university – an arrangement brokered by NGOs – until December 21, before the holiday period. Beyond that, there are no prospects.

Critics say authorities have been slow to respond to the plight of the families, with concern groups calling for such groups to be protected as refugees, pointing out the possibility that they might be labelled “terrorists” amid the conflict in the Middle East.

“They feel abandoned,” said Dr Edelin Dela Paz, head of the Philippine-Palestine Friendship Association (PPFA), which is among organisations involved in helping the families seek shelter at UP.

This Week in Asia has reached out to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for comment.

A Philippine family arrives in Manila from Gaza via Egypt on November 10. Photo: AFP

From November 7-14, the DFA repatriated 102 Filipinos from Gaza to Manila. Joined by their Palestinian spouses and extended relatives, many of the families arrived in batches.