Filipina nurse chose to stay with patient, shot to death in Israel

Angeline Aguirre was killed after she chose to stay with her elderly patient as gunmen shot up a bomb shelter in Israel amid attacks by the Hamas.

According to the "24 Oras" report by Jasmin Gabriel-Galban of GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon, Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan Nahoum said the Filipina nurse showed "unimaginable honor in the face of evil."

Angeline was one of the two Filipinos who have been confirmed dead in the armed conflict between Israel and the Hamas.

"Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining Nira's side during the violence, resulting in both of them being brutally murdered by Hamas," Nahoum said.

Only months after waiting for her at the end of the aisle during their wedding, the husband of OFW nurse Angeline Aguirre can now only wait for the return of her body after being shot dead during the Hamas attacks in Israel.

In Binmaley, Pangasinan, Angeline's family can only wait for her remains to be sent home.

"Napakasakit. Di ko matanggap. Kahit na sinong magulang, hindi niya matatanggap na mawawalan sya ng anak,” Angeline's mother Erlinda said.

“Ang gusto kong mangyari ay maiuwi agad ang anak ko," she added.

Erlinda recalled her last conversation with Angeline on October 6 when her daughter worried over the ongoing attacks on Israel.

On October 9, one of her siblings who also lived in Israel confirmed her death.

The municipality, capitol and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is already in coordination with Angeline’s family to provide necessary assistance.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has given financial assistance to Angeline's family and that of the other OFW who died in the conflict in Israel, Paul Vincent Castelvi.

According to the DSWD, the families of the two Filipinos were given financial assistance of P10,000 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

They were also referred to projects under the agency's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

The DSWD said it would also provide burial assistance and psychosocial support to the family.

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday said he had talked to the victims' families over the phone.

"Last night, I made two of the most difficult phone calls I've had to make as President. The nation is one in grieving with the families of the Filipinos who were killed in the attacks on Israel," said Marcos.

"We will provide the utmost support to the families they were taken from," Marcos added.

Likewise, the President said such tragedy will not deter the Filipino spirit.

"We will continue to stand for peace," he said.

Marcos earlier said that the Philippines stands with Israel following the deadly attacks by Hamas.

The Philippines has placed Gaza under Alert Level 3 amid the ongoing reprisal strikes by Israel.

Alert Level 3 means voluntary repatriation.

There are 137 Filipinos in Gaza, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). —Jiselle Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News