A Filipino caregiver has been confirmed as the first casualty in Israel amid the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The Philippine Embassy in Israel announced the death of Mary Ann V. de Vera, a 32-year-old overseas Filipino worker from Basista, Pangasinan.
According to the embassy, de Vera had been working in Israel since 2019. Her identity was confirmed through biometric records at the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, where her husband — who is also employed in Israel — formally identified her remains.
Tragic final moments
In a statement, the embassy said de Vera was helping her employer reach a bomb shelter during a missile attack in Tel Aviv but was unable to get there in time. She reportedly died after being struck by shrapnel from falling bombs.
Philippine Ambassador Aileen Mendiola has reached out to the victim’s husband to convey condolences and assured the family of full government assistance.
“The Embassy joins the entire Filipino community in the Holy Land in praying for the repose of her soul and for comfort and strength for her family during this time of grief,” the statement read.
Government monitoring situation
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also released a video message expressing sorrow over the tragedy and reassuring citizens that authorities are closely monitoring the safety of Filipinos across the Middle East.
Filipinos in Israel and neighbouring Gulf countries have been advised to remain calm, stay indoors and follow official safety instructions issued by local authorities and embassies.
The incident underscores the growing human cost of the widening regional conflict, which has seen missile exchanges across multiple countries, raising fears of further civilian casualties.