President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured the family of Loreta Villarin Alacre, the third Filipino killed in the firefight between Hamas militants and Israeli forces, of the immediate repatriation of her remains once the humanitarian corridor will be opened for affected civilians.
A caregiver in Tel Aviv, Alacre, 49, hails from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.
She was among the Filipinos earlier reported missing when the militant Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza strip.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has already notified Alacre’s family on Friday that she was killed.
The Presidential Communications Office reported that in a telephone call with the victim’s sister on Sunday, Marcos personally extended his condolences and said that the DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the armed conflict.
The President said the government is now focusing on how to send back home the remains of Alacre.
“May assistance para sa pamilya, pero lahat ng kailangang gawin para maiuwi na (ang iyong kapatid) ay gagawin na muna namin. Iyon lamang, hinihintay muna natin kung ano ‘yung magiging sitwasyon doon sa Israel dahil talagang napakagulo masyado ngayon at sarado lahat,” Marcos said.
“Tulungan ka namin. Basta’t nandito ang gobyerno. Lahat ng mga embassy natin naka-alert naman, alam nila ang sitwasyon mo … lahat nga gusto nang umuwi kaya ‘yun na muna ang inayos namin at basta’t mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon ay iuuwi na namin silang lahat,” he added.
Marcos said that the Philippine ambassador to Egypt is now waiting for the positive feedback for possible opening of a humanitarian corridor so that the government can start with the repatriation efforts.
The President also said that the airport in Tel Aviv is still open, but it is not yet allowing refugees.
However, the Philippine government is coordinating efforts with the Israeli government to allow the repatriation of affected Filipinos. ||
