OWWA, Israeli Embassy honor slain OFWs

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) joined diplomatic officials and bereaved families to honor eight Filipino overseas workers who lost their lives in Israel over the past three years.

The commemoration ceremony, organized in coordination with the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines on Tuesday, marked three years since the October 2023 attacks in Israel and paid tribute to the victims killed in conflict incidents from 2023 to 2026.

Those honored during the memorial service included Angelyn Aguirre Torre, Loreta Alacre, Grace Cabrera, Paul Vincent Castelvi, Cydrick Garin, Leah Mosquera, Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera and Lucille Jean Gershovich.

The gathering also recognized surviving Filipino workers, including Gelienor “Jimmy” Pacheco, Noralin Babadilla and Camille Jesalva-Junio.

OWWA administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan emphasized that government assistance for overseas workers and their dependents extends beyond initial emergency evacuations and immediate crisis relief.

“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 in her address.

She also cited that surviving family members may continue accessing welfare programs, educational grants and economic support services through the agency.

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh, Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III, and various interfaith leaders joined the families during the memorial service.