PBBM confirms 1st Filipino fatality in Mideast conflict, vows aid

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

President Ferdinand “BongBong” R. Marcos Jr. (PCO photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday night confirmed the first reported Filipino casualty in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a video message, Marcos said the victim was identified as Mary Anne Velazquez de Vera, a caregiver from Pangasinan working in Israel.

According to the report received by the Philippine government, Rivera was assisting her ward to reach a bomb shelter when they were caught in the attack before arriving at safety.

The President said Rivera has been identified by her husband, who is also an overseas Filipino worker in Israel.

“Lahat po ng tulong na kakailanganin ng kanilang pamilya ay ihahatid ng ating pamahalaan (All the help their families will need will be provided by our government),” he assured.

Marcos said the government continues to monitor the situation of Filipinos in the region as hostilities persist.

The Philippine government earlier said embassies and labor offices in the Middle East are on heightened alert to ensure the safety of overseas Filipinos amid escalating tensions.

The United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran on Saturday, which US President Donald Trump said was aimed at degrading Tehran’s military capabilities and neutralizing what Washington described as a nuclear threat.

In retaliation, Iran fired drones and missiles toward Israel. It struck US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, sparking renewed tension and instability in a region with millions of overseas Filipino workers.