By Hilda Austria
BASISTA, Pangasinan – The family of Mary Ann de Vera, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from this town killed in a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, is asking for privacy as they mourn and urging the speedy repatriation of her remains, local officials said Monday.
Basista Mayor Jolly Resuello Jr. said the family has requested concerned agencies to expedite the processing of documents for the return of their loved one’s remains.
“They are asking the agencies to expedite the processing of the needed documents for the remains of their loved one. Although they also acknowledge the current situation, nonetheless, they are requesting for the speedy repatriation of her remains,” Resuello said in Filipino.
He said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) visited the family Sunday night to provide information and assistance. The local and provincial governments will also extend financial and other support.
Police and barangay peacekeeping personnel have been deployed to ensure the family’s privacy is respected.
“Let us give this time to them to mourn privately. So, we ask the media and the vloggers to refrain from going there or spreading personal information like passport details of the victim,” Resuello said.
In a statement Sunday, the Israeli Embassy said de Vera, a caregiver, was injured while assisting her patient to safety during “Operation Roaring Lion” on March 1. She was pronounced dead while paramedics were taking her to a hospital. Her patient was also injured but rescued alive.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed de Vera as the first reported Filipino casualty in the ongoing Middle East conflict and assured government assistance.
Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III extended condolences, saying in Filipino: “On behalf of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the entire Pangasinense people, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. We join you in your grief and continue to pray for your strength and comfort during this time of great trial.”
Department of Migrant Workers Ilocos Region officer-in-charge Romeo Jaramilla said financial assistance of at least PHP100,000 will be given to the family, aside from repatriation and other forms of aid, with separate assistance from OWWA. (PNA)
