Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 12) — Violence robbed overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Paul Castelvi of his chance to become a father after he was killed in the attack on Isarel by the Hamas militants.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Nick Castelvi, the father of the 42-year-old caregiver, said Paul was so excited to become a dad. The elder Castelvi allowed CNN Philippines to disclose his son’s name.
“Hindi man lang niya makikita ang magiging baby nila ang tagal nilang hiniling sa Panginoon,” said Nick. “Ang tagal nila pabalik balik sila sa Jerusalem.”
[Translation: He will no longer get the chance to see his child which he waited for so long. They even went to Jerusalem several times to ask God for a child.]
Paul and his wife, who is also a caregiver, were supposed to meet last Saturday before the deadly attacks happened,” according to Nick. But her reliever was not able to go to work so the plan did not push through, he said.
“Ang nangyari po at ipinagpapasalamat namin na hindi dumating ang ka relyebo niya (wife),” Nick added. “Dahil kung natuloy siya by Saturday morning aabutan sila, madadamay ang asawa ni Paul.”
[Translation: We thank God that the reliever of Paul’s wife didn’t report to work that day or else they will be together, and his wife would also be killed in the attacks.)
As the government facilitates the repatriation of Paul’s remains, the family said they will most likely meet his wife, the baby, and the urn of Paul sometime in December.
“Nakakalungkot na ganitong panahon pa kami magkikita kung kailan wala na ang anak ko,” lamented Nick.
[Translation: We are saddened that we will see each other in December when our son is no longer with us.]
