MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed the death of Mary Anne Velazquez Rivera, a Filipino caregiver from Pangasinan, in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The confirmation came via a video message on Sunday night, March 1, where the president stated that Rivera was killed during an attack in Israel.

Details of the Incident

According to the Philippine government, Rivera was helping her ward reach a bomb shelter when they were caught in the attack. Her husband, who is also an overseas Filipino worker in Israel, identified her as the victim, confirming her death.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the over 1.4 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East, many of whom are employed in Israel and other neighboring countries. The Philippine government has already issued alerts to its embassies and labor offices in the region to ensure the safety of OFWs amid the escalating tensions.

Escalating Tensions Between Iran and Israel

The conflict began after the United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran on Saturday, February 28. According to U.S. President Donald Trump, the operation was aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and neutralizing what Washington describes as a nuclear threat.

In retaliation, Iran launched drones and missiles toward Israel. The attack struck U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, further intensifying the regional instability. These developments have left thousands of OFWs stranded and in limbo, as airports in the region have been closed or restricted.

The Philippines has been closely monitoring the situation and has been in constant communication with the Israeli and U.S. governments to ensure the protection and repatriation of its citizens. President Marcos assured the public that the government will provide all necessary support to Rivera’s family and others affected by the conflict.

Government Response and Future Steps

“Lahat po ng tulong na kakailanganin ng kanilang pamilya ay ihahatid ng ating pamahalaan,” Marcos said in his message, emphasizing the government’s commitment to assisting affected families.

The Philippine government has reiterated its call for calm and urged all OFWs to follow the instructions of their host countries and local authorities. Officials have also been working with international partners to secure safe passage for OFWs who are seeking to return home.

As the situation remains volatile, the government has warned that more OFWs may be affected if the conflict continues to escalate. The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advisories and is coordinating with embassies to provide emergency assistance to OFWs in the region.

With the Middle East continuing to be a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, the safety of OFWs remains a top priority for the Philippine government. The incident involving Rivera has further highlighted the risks faced by millions of Filipinos working abroad in a region marked by frequent conflicts and political instability.