• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Israeli government is recognizing slain Negrense caregiver Leah Mosquera as a victim of terror.
“As such, her immediate family will receive lifelong support from the Israeli government as part of Israel’s unwavering commitment to stand beside them during this difficult time,” a statement from the Philippine Embassy in Israel said.
Mosquera, who would be 50 on July 29, died on July 13 while undergoing several surgeries.
She was one of the four Filipinos who were injured and hospitalized due to an Iranian missile attack in Israel on June 15.
Mosquera, who hails from Barangay Guintorilan, San Enrique, Negros Occidental, served for several years as a caregiver in Israel.
In a separate statement, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said it is joining forces with the Department of Migrant Workers (DFA), the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, Migrant Workers Office, and relevant authorities in Israel to ensure the immediate repatriation of Mosquera’s remains, and providing the necessary financial and psychosocial assistance to his brother and family left behind.
“In accordance with the clear directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that “no Filipino will be left behind,” the government will answer all related expenses – from repatriation, local transport, funeral and burial expenses to help for Leah’s sister, OWWA added.
“As we mourn the loss Mosquera,” OWWA said it is calling for more global action to ensure the safety of migrant workers in countries with crisis or conflict.
“Like the Department of Foreign Affairs and DMW, we stand that every OFW has the right to live and work safely, with dignity, and with adequate protection wherever in the world,” it added. | GB
