Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the release of a Filipino national, Gelienor 'Jimmy' Pacheco, who was held captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The confirmation came via the President's official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, marking a significant development in the efforts to secure the safety of Filipinos abroad.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pacheco, aged 33, was taken hostage on October 7 and was among the first group of 24 hostages released by Hamas on Friday. The President confirmed that Pacheco is safe and is currently under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Israel. He expressed his joy and relief over Pacheco's release and acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine Foreign Service and the State of Qatar for their crucial roles in securing the release.
While celebrating Pacheco's freedom, President Marcos also addressed concerns regarding another Filipino national, Noralyn Babadilla, who is reportedly still held captive by Hamas. He assured that the Philippine government is committed to doing everything possible to secure Babadilla's release if she is indeed among the hostages.
In his statement, President Marcos emphasized the government's continued vigilance and efforts to ensure the welfare and safety of Filipinos in Israel and other conflict-affected areas. The government is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with international counterparts.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega reported that Pacheco is currently undergoing a medical examination at a hospital, with embassy personnel from Tel Aviv accompanying him.
The Israeli Embassy in Manila also expressed relief over Pacheco's release and conveyed its commitment to securing the release of other hostages, including a Filipino-Israeli believed to be among them. The Embassy reassured that the Israeli government is committed to bringing all hostages back home safely.
Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo Jr., along with senior representatives of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Pacheco upon his release. Pacheco was freed alongside a group of Thai nationals, and the release was reportedly brokered by Qatar and Egypt, separate from the truce deal between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas and the Israeli government agreed to a prisoner exchange deal early Wednesday, following almost six hours of debate. Anadolu reports, citing the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, stated that the Israeli Cabinet approved a deal for the release of 50 hostages, including children and women held by Hamas in Gaza, in exchange for a four-day ceasefire.