By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

The next of kin of the late Lucille Jean Gershovich together with Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Migration Affairs Administrative Officer Ebrahim Zailon and Principal Assistant Ria Octavio (2nd and 1st from right), and LINEX general manager Arlette Pura. (Photo courtesy of DFA-Office of Migration Affairs)

MANILA – The remains of the late Lucille Jean Gershovich, the Filipino national killed in a missile attack in Israel, arrived in Manila on Thursday evening, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Gershovich died together with her Israeli husband and in-laws in a residence in Haifa, Israel, on the evening of April 5.

Upon the arrival of her body, DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro personally called her family to extend condolences and assured them of other necessary assistance that they may ask for.

“The DFA, through its relevant offices, remains steadfast in upholding the third pillar of Philippine Foreign Policy: protecting the rights and promoting the welfare and interests of Filipinos overseas,” said the agency.

Gershovich’s family was present to receive her remains, which will be transported on the same day to her hometown in Lanao del Norte.

She is the second Filipino national killed in a missile attack in Israel since the Middle East conflict broke out.

On Feb. 28, Filipina caregiver Mary Ann de Vera was killed when she was hit by shrapnel from an Iranian missile strike while she was accompanying her elderly ward to a shelter in Tel Aviv (PNA)