The body of Lucille Jean Gersovich, a Filipino national who died in a missile attack on a residential area in Haifa, Israel, was returned to the Philippines on Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed.
Gersovich was one of the victims of a strike on April 5 that hit a home in Haifa, drawing attention to the vulnerability of foreign nationals caught in active conflict zones. Her remains were flown back to her home province of Lanao del Norte after the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, the Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs, and the Consular Office in Clarin coordinated the logistics of the repatriation.
Her family received her remains upon arrival in Manila.
The DFA said the assistance extended to the Gersovich family fulfilled a commitment personally made by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, who had called the next of kin following news of the death.
“The DFA, through its relevant offices, remains steadfast in upholding the Third Pillar of Philippine Foreign Policy: protecting the rights and promoting the welfare and interests of Filipinos overseas,” the department said.
The Philippine government has continued to urge its nationals in conflict-affected areas to stay alert and maintain contact with the nearest Philippine mission for safety updates and consular support.
