On Thursday, October 12, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. took to his social media to share a deeply somber and heartfelt message. In a poignant revelation, he expressed the heavy burden of his office by stating that he had made “two of the most difficult phone calls” of his presidency. These calls were linked to the tragic loss of two Filipino citizens during the conflict that transpired between Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas.

The President’s message underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the emotional toll of having to inform families about the loss of their loved ones in a distant conflict zone. It also reflects the broader responsibility that leaders bear when such unfortunate incidents affect their country’s citizens. The President’s expression of sympathy and acknowledgment of these difficult circumstances reminds the public of the challenges and decisions leaders face in protecting and representing their people, even in the face of international conflicts and crises.

“We will provide the utmost support to the families they were taken from. This tragedy will not deter our spirit. We will continue to stand for peace,” he said.