By Benny Reyes
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday confirmed the first Filipino death related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and promised government assistance to the victim’s family.
The casualty was identified as Mary Anne Velazquez de Vera, a caregiver from Pangasinan working in Israel.
Based on reports received by authorities, de Vera was guiding her ward toward a bomb shelter when an attack struck before they could reach the safe area.
Her husband, also an overseas Filipino worker in Israel, confirmed her identity to authorities.
Marcos assured the family that the government will provide all necessary help.
“Lahat po ng tulong na kakailanganin ng kanilang pamilya ay ihahatid ng ating pamahalaan,” he said.
The government continues to monitor the safety of Filipinos across the Middle East as tensions remain high.
Embassies and labor offices have been instructed to remain on high alert to assist overseas Filipinos if conditions worsen.
The conflict escalated after the United States and Israel conducted a major military operation against Iran, with US President Donald Trump saying the strikes were meant to degrade Iran’s military capability and address concerns about its nuclear program.
Iran responded by firing drones and missiles toward Israel and launching attacks on US military sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, further raising tensions in the region where millions of overseas Filipino workers are employed.
