OWWA pays tribute to Filipinos who died in Israel

Three years since the events in Israel in October 2023, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) joined in commemorating the Filipinos who perished and in expressing condolences to their families and loved ones.

During a gathering held on Tuesday, 13 October, in coordination with the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, tribute was paid to the memory of Angelyn Aguirre Torre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, Paul Vincent Castelvi, Cydrick Garin, Leah Mosquera, Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, and Lucille Jean Gershovich, who lost their lives in various incidents in Israel from 2023 to 2026.

OWWA also stood in solidarity with the bereaved, who continue to carry their grief in their own way and time.

They also expressed solidarity with the Filipino survivors, including Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, Noralin Babadilla, and Camille Jesalva-Junio, while respecting their experiences and ongoing healing.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan stressed in her message that the agency’s commitment to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families goes beyond providing immediate crisis response.

“We know that no amount of assistance can replace a loved one, but we can make sure that the families left behind are not forgotten and that they have people and institutions they can turn to for guidance, assistance, and support,” Caunan said.

Families may continue to approach OWWA for guidance and assistance in accessing programs and services suited to their needs, in accordance with existing policies.

Joining the families and loved ones in commemoration were Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Ambassador Dana Kursh of the Embassy of Israel to the Philippines, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, and other government officials and faith leaders.