A Filipino member of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has lost his life in the ongoing conflict between Israeli troops and Hamas militants, as confirmed by the Israel Embassy in the Philippines.
Sergeant First Class (Reserves) Cydrick Garin was among the 21 IDF soldiers who tragically perished in an explosion in Gaza caused by Hamas on Monday, January 22, according to a statement released by the Embassy.
Sgt. Garin’s parents are both Filipinos, with his mother hailing from Isabela, now residing in Tel Aviv, and his father originating from General Santos City.
“The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines is currently assisting Sgt. Garin’s father in traveling to Israel,” the Embassy reported.
The incident occurred during intense fighting in the southern and central Gaza Strip, where Israel has been targeting the remaining strongholds of Hamas and working to secure areas near the border. The explosion in a building led to the tragic loss of 21 soldiers.
The Embassy expressed its condolences, saying, “Israel shares the profound grief of Sgt. Garin’s family and the Filipino community. Our commitment is strong to support his loved ones during this challenging time.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that Israel would persist in its military operations in Gaza until achieving “absolute victory.” The Israeli campaign’s objectives include eliminating Hamas, an organization sworn to Israel’s destruction, and securing the release of over 130 hostages held in Gaza since October 7.
According to Gaza health authorities, the Israeli bombardment and invasion have resulted in at least 25,295 Gazan casualties. Additionally, 1,200 Israelis lost their lives in the October 7 attack, with the military repo