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The casket of Filipina caregiver Mary Ann De Vera, killed in a missile attack in Israel, is brought back to the Philippines on March 14, 2026.
Department of Migrant Workers via Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The remains of an overseas Filipino worker who was killed in a missile attack in Israel have been repatriated to the Philippines, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Saturday.
In a statement, the agency said the body of caregiver Mary Ann De Vera arrived in the country on March 14 and was received by her family and government officials, who assisted in facilitating her return.
"Sa pagdating sa bansa ng mga labi ng OFW caregiver na si Mary Ann De Vera, sinalubong siya ng kanyang pamilya kasama ang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan upang matiyak ang maayos na pag-uwi at agarang tulong para sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay," the DMW said in a statement posted on Facebook.
(Upon the arrival in the country of the remains of OFW caregiver Mary Ann De Vera, she was received by her family, along with government officials to ensure a proper homecoming and immediate assistance for her loved ones.)
Officials from the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration were present to extend condolences and ensure immediate assistance for the bereaved family.
De Vera’s husband, Bernie Lavarias, accompanied her remains back to the Philippines.
According to the DMW, Lavarias earlier met with Isaac Herzog, Israel’s president, who personally conveyed the Israeli government’s condolences to the family.
Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh also attended the arrival and said Israel has committed to providing lifetime support to De Vera’s family.
Kursh explained that under Israeli law, families of individuals who are injured or killed during a conflict — including both Israeli citizens and foreign nationals — are entitled to lifetime benefits. These include financial assistance and livelihood support.
De Vera, 32, was killed during a missile strike in Tel Aviv on the evening of February 28 amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The attack came as Iran launched retaliatory strikes following joint military action by Israel and the United States.
De Vera, who hailed from Basista, Pangasinan, had been working in Israel as a caregiver since 2019.
Government officials said they would continue extending assistance to her family.
"Ito ay bilang pagkilala sa katapangan at sakripisyong ipinamalas ni Mary Ann habang ginagampanan ang kanyang tungkulin bilang OFW," the DMW said.
(This was in recognition of the courage and sacrifice Mary Ann showed while carrying out her duties as an overseas Filipino worker.)
