Despite the Captivity, All for the Family

Feature by Jayda Trinos

January 25, 2024

After several weeks of suffering, it was a tight hug that Jimmy Pacheco, an OFW from Gaza, received from his children, as well as his wife and mother, the moment he returned to his home— the Philippines, after 49 days of captivity.

What Really Happened in Gaza

On October 7th, the Hamas militant group attacked Israel by firing rockets. From this attack, approximately 1,200 people died and 240 were held captive. Unfortunately, Jimmy Pacheco was one of the hostages in the tragedy.

The Horror of the Captivity

Pacheco went through different traumas during the time he was captive. Except from the fact that his own employer was killed in front of him before he was taken hostage, he was also tortured the time he was held captive.

“Hindi mo alam kung kailan ka mamamatay,” he said in a calm but brave manner, remembering his life while they were under Hamas' hostage tunnel where he stayed and faced his fear for more than a month. 

Moreover, Pacheco did not only face his fear; he also faced hunger and thirst. According to the OFW, while the water is undeniably insufficient, they were only given a fita bread in a day.

The Return

After 49 days, November 24, Pacheco was freed together with the three other Thai nationals. He was also able to come home with the guidance of the Philippine government. It was indeed a solemn reunion for him and his familly, even just in front of NAIA’s arrival gate.

One would think that after all the suffering that Pacheco went through, he wouldn’t go back to the place where he experienced a very traumatic event in his life. But this is not the case for Jimmy.

In his words, “hindi pa tapos ang misyon ko.” And he thinks that this is the reason why he is still alive and was given a second life.

Despite all, Pacheco is still determined to go back to Israel to work in order to provide for his kids. He does not want his kids to experience the harships that he experienced since he was a kid. “Kahit ganoon po ‘yung nakaraan ko, maibigay ko lang ‘yung gusto kong gawin sa kanila. Kasi ganoon naman po dapat ang mga magulang.”