Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 6) — The fifth batch of Filipino repatriates from Israel arrived in Manila on Monday.
Government officials welcomed 22 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
Among them was Mary June Prodigo, who carried the cremated remains of her sister Mary Grace Prodigo-Cabrera – the Filipino caregiver killed by Hamas militants along with her 95-year-old Israeli ward.
Cabrera was one of four OFWs killed in the Oct. 7 attack of Hamas in southern Israel. Her urn will be brought to her hometown in Iloilo.
The Israeli Embassy said Cabrera will be joining the “big Israeli family” of “Victims of Terror” along with 1,400 persons killed on Oct. 7.
\”My sincerest condolences and sympathy to the family of Grace. At the same time, I would like to thank her for dedicating her life serving and protecting her Israeli employer,\” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss said.
\”Israelis consider all the OFWs who were murdered by Hamas as heroes. They are now forever part of our family,” Fluss added.
Cabrera’s family will be receiving lifetime benefits and assistance from the Israeli government, the embassy said.
Government agencies provided assistance, including comprehensive reintegration, psychosocial evaluation and medical assistance, and other forms of support from the Department of Migrant Workers regional offices of their respective provinces, the agency said.
The Philippines expects more returning Filipinos as the conflict between Israel and Hamas shows no signs of slowing down.
