The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced that the remains of a Filipina caregiver killed in a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel, have been repatriated to the Philippines. In a statement, the DMW confirmed that the remains of overseas Filipino worker Mary Ann de Vera were brought back on March 14, 2026, accompanied by her husband, Bernie Lavarias. Lavarias also had a personal meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who conveyed the Israeli government's condolences to the slain Filipina's family. Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh stated that Israel is committed to providing lifetime support to De Vera's family. Kursh explained that under Israeli law, families of individuals injured or killed during armed conflict, whether Israeli citizens or foreign nationals, are entitled to lifelong benefits. De Vera, 32, was killed in a missile strike in Tel Aviv on the evening of February 28. The attack was part of Iran's retaliatory response after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, reportedly killing hundreds of people. Under the law, De Vera's family will receive financial assistance from the Israeli government, including livelihood support. De Vera, who was from Basista, Pangasinan, had been working in Israel since 2019.
