President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the family of Loreta “Lorie” Villarin Alacre, a Cadiznon killed in the firefight between Hamas militants and Israeli forces, of the immediate repatriation of her remains as soon as a humanitarian corridor will be opened for affected civilians.
Alacre, a 49-year-old caregiver, was among the Filipinos earlier reported missing when the militant Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed and has already notified Alacre’s family on Friday that the victim, who has been working as a caregiver in Haifa and Tel Aviv, was killed.
In a telephone call with the victim’s sister on Sunday, President Marcos personally extended his condolences and said that the DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the armed conflict.
The President however said that 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,” President 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.
President 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, Israel 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.
The chief executive has also already talked to the family and the loved ones of the two other victims as he also assured them of all government assistance and the repatriation of their remains to the Philippines as soon as borders will be opened for refugees.
