The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines expressed condolences to the family of Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera, 32, an overseas Filipino worker from Basista, Pangasinan, who was killed when an Iranian missile hit her apartment in Tel Aviv on Saturday.
According to the embassy, de Vera, who worked as a caregiver and lived with her patient, was injured while assisting the patient during the attack, but was pronounced dead while being transported to a hospital.
The patient survived, sustaining injuries.
De Vera was identified by her husband, also an OFW in Israel.
“Israel joins in the profound sorrow of her family and the Filipino community. We mourn together and honor Mary Ann’s memory with dignity and respect,” the embassy said in a statement.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in a video message on Sunday night, confirmed that de Vera is the first reported Filipino casualty in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The President assured that the government would provide assistance to her family and continue monitoring the situation of Filipinos in the region.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III also expressed condolences on behalf of the provincial government and residents.
“We share in your grief and continue to pray for your strength and comfort in this trying time,” he said.
Department of Migrant Workers Ilocos Region officer-in-charge Assistant Director Romeo Jaramilla said on Monday that financial assistance of at least P100,000 will be provided to the bereaved family, in addition to the repatriation of de Vera’s remains.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will also extend separate support. (with report from PNA)
