3 Leyte mayors, other officials safe in Israel

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — Three Leyte town mayors and other government officials were rushed to underground bunkers near their hotel in Israel as missiles and drones were fired from Iran last week.

Mayor Aaron Balais of Barugo town called up regional officials here to inform them that he and his companions are safe in Israel.

Balais, along with Mayors Athena Mendros of Lawaan, Eastern Samar and Betty Cabal of Hindang, Leyte, went to Israel for a study tour on “Promoting Sustainability and Food Security in Urban Areas” until June 20.

Unconfirmed reports said other government officials were among the Filipino delegation sent to Israel for the study.

The regional office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government here refused to confirm that two congressmen and two regional directors were part of the delegation.

Balais said they are being kept safe inside bunkers built by the Israeli government to protect people from external bombings.

He added that they are in constant contact with the Philippine embassy and coordinating with authorities for their safe and immediate return to the Philippines.