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Advocates Philippines
Israel Mourns Fallen Filipina Caregiver In Tel Aviv Missile Strike
Screengrab from IDF
The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines has extended its condolences to the family of Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera, a 32-year-old overseas Filipino worker who was killed after an Iranian missile struck her apartment on Saturday.
Mary Ann, a caregiver who lived with her patient, was injured while helping her ward to safety during what Israeli authorities called Operation Roaring Lion on March 1, 2026. According to the embassy, she was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead while paramedics were transporting her.
In its statement, the embassy emphasized that Mary Ann was assisting her patient when the missile hit — a final act of duty and compassion that defined her work as a caregiver.
Mary Ann was later identified by her husband, who is also working in Israel as an OFW.
Israel said it joins the Filipino community in mourning, honoring her memory with dignity and expressing solidarity with her grieving family.
First Filipino Casualty Confirmed
In a video message Sunday night, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that Mary Ann is the first reported Filipino casualty in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The President assured the public that the Philippine government will provide assistance to her family and continue closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in the region as tensions persist.
Back home, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III also expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the provincial government and the people of Pangasinan. He said the province stands with the bereaved family in prayer and solidarity during this painful time.
Financial Aid and Repatriation Underway
Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers Ilocos Region office confirmed that financial assistance of at least PHP100,000 will be given to Mary Ann’s family.
Officer-in-charge Assistant Director Romeo Jaramilla said this is separate from the repatriation of her remains and other forms of support that the government will extend.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will also provide its own package of assistance to the family.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, Mary Ann’s story serves as a painful reminder of the risks many overseas Filipino workers face — even while doing what they do best: caring for others.
Mary Ann, a caregiver who lived with her patient, was injured while helping her ward to safety during what Israeli authorities called Operation Roaring Lion on March 1, 2026. According to the embassy, she was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead while paramedics were transporting her.
In its statement, the embassy emphasized that Mary Ann was assisting her patient when the missile hit — a final act of duty and compassion that defined her work as a caregiver.
Mary Ann was later identified by her husband, who is also working in Israel as an OFW.
Israel said it joins the Filipino community in mourning, honoring her memory with dignity and expressing solidarity with her grieving family.
First Filipino Casualty Confirmed
In a video message Sunday night, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that Mary Ann is the first reported Filipino casualty in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The President assured the public that the Philippine government will provide assistance to her family and continue closely monitoring the situation of Filipinos in the region as tensions persist.
Back home, Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III also expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the provincial government and the people of Pangasinan. He said the province stands with the bereaved family in prayer and solidarity during this painful time.
Financial Aid and Repatriation Underway
Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers Ilocos Region office confirmed that financial assistance of at least PHP100,000 will be given to Mary Ann’s family.
Officer-in-charge Assistant Director Romeo Jaramilla said this is separate from the repatriation of her remains and other forms of support that the government will extend.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will also provide its own package of assistance to the family.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues, Mary Ann’s story serves as a painful reminder of the risks many overseas Filipino workers face — even while doing what they do best: caring for others.
Mar 2, 2026
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