Philippines says second national confirmed killed in Mideast war

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MANILA: The Philippine government has confirmed the death of a second Filipino national in the ongoing Middle East conflict, following an official announcement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, April 7.

The victim, identified as a 44-year-old female caregiver, was reportedly killed during a rocket strike on a residential building in Ashkelon.

This latest casualty follows the death of a 33-year-old male technician last week, further heightening concerns for the safety of the thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) currently stationed in the region. 

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated that the government is coordinating closely with Israeli authorities to expedite the repatriation of the remains, while also providing immediate financial and psychological assistance to the grieving families in the Philippines.

In response to the escalating violence, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the mobilization of a specialized task force to monitor the status of all Filipino citizens in high-risk areas. While the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv remains operational, officials have urged all nationals to strictly follow local safety protocols and remain in contact with labor attachés. 

The administration continues to emphasize that the safety of its citizens abroad remains a top priority as the humanitarian situation in the conflict zone worsens.