WORDS OF COMFORT AND ASSURANCE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. speaks with the sister of Loreta Villarin Alacre, the third Filipino killed in Israel, in a phone call on Sunday (Oct. 15, 2023) to extend his condolences and assure the bereaved family that the government will provide all necessary support. Marcos said the government is now focusing on how to repatriate Alacre’s remains. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured the family of Loreta Villarin Alacre, the third Filipino killed in the firefight between Hamas militants and Israeli forces, that the government will do its best to immediately bring home her remains as soon as a humanitarian corridor will be opened for affected civilians.
In a statement on Monday, the Palace said President Marcos made the assurance in a phone call to Alacre's sister on Sunday to extend his condolences.
Marcos said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will provide all necessary assistance.
Alacre, a 49-year-old caregiver, was among the Filipinos earlier reported missing when the militant Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza strip.
Marcos 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 (There will be assistance for the family, but we will do everything to bring your sister home. However, we’re still waiting to see what the situation will be in Israel because it’s really very chaotic right now and everything is closed)," the President said.
Marcos said the Philippine ambassador to Egypt is now waiting for positive feedback for the possible opening of a humanitarian corridor so that the government can start with the repatriation efforts.
He added that the airport in Tel Aviv is still open but it is not yet allowing refugees.
Nevertheless, the Philippine government is coordinating efforts with the Israeli government to allow the repatriation of affected Filipinos. (PNA)
