Speaker condoles with kin of slain Israel OFWs

  

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Thursday condoled with the families of  two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) killed in Israel and said the deaths underscore the dangers faced by many Filipinos seeking greener pastures overseas. “These tragic events remind us of the dangers our fellow Filipinos face even as they seek opportunities abroad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time,” Romualdez said in a statement Thursday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of two Filipinos in Israel — a 42-year-old man from Pampanga who was captured by Hamas combatants, and a 33-year-old woman from Pangasinan who was killed with her employer in an attack near the Gaza Strip.

Romualdez said that he will be donating P1 million with Tingog party-list Representative Yedda Romualdez to the families of the Filipino fatalities.

Livelihood opportunities and scholarships will also be provided to members of the bereaved families, said Romualdez.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of our countrymen. In these trying times, it’s crucial for us as a nation to come together and support one another. The donation is just a small token of our shared grief and our commitment to help,” said Romualdez.

According to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., the country is now working to ensure the safety of the OFWs and the Filipino community in Israel, and will immediately conduct repatriation efforts when the Israeli government opens humanitarian corridors.

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