MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is ensuring the family of Loreta Villarin Alacre, the third Filipino killed by Hamas militants in Israel, of the government’s commitment to repatriate her remains as soon as a humanitarian corridor opens for affected civilians.
In a phone call on Sunday, Oct. 15, President Marcos expressed his condolences to Alacre’s sister and promised the government’s full support through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Alacre, a 49-year-old caregiver from Barangay Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, was reported missing following a Hamas attack from the Gaza Strip on Israel.
She had been at the Tribe of Nova music festival near the Re’im kibbutz in southern Israel on Oct. 7, which is just six kilometers from the Gaza Strip. The tragic Hamas attack at the event resulted in over 260 casualties.
Earlier, there were speculations that Alacre and some festival-goers might have been taken to the Gaza Strip.
Regarding repatriation efforts, President Marcos stated, “There will be assistance for the family. We are doing everything to bring your sister home. We need to wait and see the evolving situation in Israel, as it’s currently very chaotic, and everything is closed.”
The Philippine ambassador to Egypt is awaiting feedback on the potential opening of a humanitarian corridor to start repatriation.
While the Tel Aviv airport remains operational, it’s currently not admitting refugees. Despite this, the Philippines is actively coordinating with Israel to facilitate the repatriation of affected Filipinos. (PNA)/PN
