Remains of Filipina killed in Israel airstrike flown back to PH — DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the remains of the Filipina caregiver killed in a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel has been flown back to the Philippines.

In a statement, the DMW said the remains of overseas Filipino worker Mary Ann de Vera have been repatriated to the country on Saturday together with her husband Bernie Lavarias, who personally met Israeli President Isaac Herzog to receive Israel’s condolences to the deceased’s family.

The Israeli government has committed to providing lifetime support De Vera’s family, according to Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh. 

Kursh explained that under Israeli law, families of individuals injured or killed during a conflict—Israeli citizens and foreign nationals—are entitled to lifetime benefits.

In a statement, the Israeli Embassy to the Philippines extended its condolences to the family.

“In a quiet and solemn moment, the family gathered, holding one another tightly as their beloved kababayan was finally brought home… Mary Ann De Vera, our kababayan who tragically lost her life in Israel, is remembered with profound respect. As her family mourns her passing, the people of Israel share in their grief,” the statement read.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and stand in solidarity with her loved ones during this time of sorrow,” it added.

De Vera, 32, was killed by an Iranian retaliatory strike after Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran that has killed hundreds of people.

The OFW was killed during a missile attack in Tel Aviv on the evening of February 28.

Under this law, De Vera’s family will receive financial assistance, including livelihood support, from the Israeli government.

De Vera, 32 years, hailed from Basista in Pangasinan, had been working in Israel since 2019. — with Jiselle Anne Casucian/RSJ/VBL, GMA Integrated News