By Elami Go
MANILA – Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has confirmed the first Filipino fatality connected to the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East.
In a message released Sunday evening, Marcos identified the victim as Mary Anne Velazquez de Vera, a caregiver from Pangasinan employed in Israel.
Government reports indicated that de Vera was escorting the person under her care to a bomb shelter when an attack occurred before they could reach safety.
Her husband, who also works in Israel as an overseas Filipino worker, later confirmed her identity.
The President assured the public that the Philippine government will provide all necessary support to the victim’s family.
“Lahat po ng tulong na kakailanganin ng kanilang pamilya ay ihahatid ng ating pamahalaan,” Marcos said.
Officials are continuing to track the situation of Filipinos across the Middle East as hostilities continue.
Philippine embassies and labor offices in the region have been placed on alert to ensure the protection and welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
The latest escalation followed a large military operation launched by the United States and Israel against Iran. US President Donald Trump said the strike was intended to weaken Iran’s military capability and counter what Washington considers a nuclear threat.
Iran retaliated by launching drones and missiles toward Israel and targeting US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, increasing instability across the region where many Filipinos are based.
