Manila, June 16 -- At least three town mayors from Eastern Visayas, including Barugo, Leyte Mayor Aron Balais; Lawaan, Eastern Samar Mayor Athene Mendros; and Hindang, Leyte Mayor Betty Cabal, have been stranded in Israel after being caught in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.

In a message sent to Tacloban-based journalists on Monday, Mayor Balais said they have been taking shelter inside a bomb-proof bunker near their hotel. The officials are part of a study visit organized by Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, focused on promoting sustainability and food security in urban centers.

Balais stated that there are 17 Philippine government officials in their delegation seeking shelter from Iran's bombardment and s...