Remains of 2 OFWs killed in Israel expected this week

The remains of two more Filipinos who died in the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas militants are set to be repatriated to the Philippines this week, Sandra Aguinaldo reported Wednesday on “24 Oras."

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said the body of Angelyne Aguirre, the Filipina nurse who chose to stay with her elderly patient as gunmen shot up a bomb shelter, will arrive in the country on Friday, November 3.

“Bibigyan natin na naman sya ng hero's welcome. Inaayos na rin natin ng lugar kung saan sya ibuburol and all the assistance na puwedeng ibigay ay ibibigay natin,” said OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio.

(We will give her a hero’s welcome. We’re also preparing for her burial place and we will assist her bereaved family.)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the remains of Grace Prodigo Cabrera is set to arrive on Sunday, November 5.

Four Filipinos were confirmed dead from the ongoing conflict in Israel. They were identified as Loreta Alacre, 49;  Paul Vincent Castelvi, a 42-year-old caregiver; Aguirre and  Cabrera.

Alacre’s body was repatriated to the Philippines earlier while Castelvi was cremated in Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, the OWWA assisted an overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who filed a complaint against Etihad Airways over missing items in her luggage.

The fourth batch of repatriates, composed of 60 OFWs, arrived from war-torn Israel on Monday. Some of them reported losing their luggage or some items from their luggage after a flight.

“Tinulungan natin sya para naman hindi maramdaman na naiwan sya dito. Nakita ko na rin maleta nya yung zipper talagang naka bukas pero hindi naman ito napabayaan at nag-file tayo ng complaint sa Etihad,” said Ignacio, adding other Filipinos who experienced a similar scenario may seek their assistance.

(We helped her so she wouldn’t feel alone. I also saw her luggage, the zipper was open. We filed a complaint against Etihad.)

GMA Integrated News reached out to Etihad Airways for comment.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News