• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
House Speaker Martin Romualdez is giving a financial assistance of P500,000 to the family of Loreta Villarin Alacre, the caregiver from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental who died in the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas fighters.
This was confirmed yesterday by Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., who along with Negros Occidental Second District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, will turn over the amount to the family of Alacre residing in Barangay Cadiz Viejo on Wednesday.
Romualdez and Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez had earlier collectively pledged a personal donation of P1 million or P500,000 each to support the families of the initial two Filipinos who lost their lives during the hostilities.
Alacre was the third Filipino who died in Israel.
Romualdez, in a statement issued during the weekend, said it was worth mentioning that all three victims “were dedicated caregivers, whose lives were cut short by the devastating conflict.”
Escalante said the Cadiz City government also extended initial assistance to the family of Alacre.
The return of her remains to Negros Occidental is now being worked out by the Philippine government.
He added that the Sangguniang Panlungsod is also set to pass a resolution extending their sympathy to the family of Alacre and giving her the recognition as “Bagong Bayani”.
Annabella Alacre said there is no update yet on the arrival of the remains of her younger sister, Loreta.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental also assured the family of the slain Negrense OFW that they are prepared to assist in bringing back her remains to Cadiz City. | GB
