Returning Filipino workers from Israel due to the Israel-Iran conflict.*Philippine Embassy in Israel photo
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) have pledged assistance to the family of a Negrense caregiver who died from injuries sustained during an Iranian missile attack in Israel on June 15.
Leah Mosquera, 49, from Barangay Guintorilan, San Enrique, Negros Occidental, passed away in Israel on Sunday morning, July 13, the Philippine Embassy in Israel said.
“We extend our condolences to the family of Leah Mosquera. It’s unfortunate. Reports said that she really fought for her life, but I guess the injuries that she sustained were too much for her,” Lacson said on Monday.
The provincial government will provide P190,000 in financial assistance to the Mosquera family, he said.
This is the same amount given to Loreta Alacre, another Negrense caregiver from Cadiz City who was killed during Hamas attacks in Israel in October 2023, Lacson said.
San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara described Mosquera as a hardworking barangay treasurer of Barangay Guintorilan before she moved to Israel 17 to 18 years ago to work as a caregiver.
“She was very active in her work and hardworking, which is why she had no problem during the years that she worked abroad with her sister,” Tubillara said.
Her sister, Joy, and several other Guintorilan residents also work in Israel, he said.
A statement from the Philippine Embassy in Israel on Sunday said that Mosquera was rushed to Shamir Medical Center after the Iranian attack. She underwent multiple surgeries and fought for her life in the Intensive Care Unit for several weeks.
“During this time, she was lovingly cared for by her sister Joy, who also works here in Israel. Joy shared the sad news of her sister’s passing and consented to the release of the information to the public,” the embassy’s statement read.
The DMW assured full government support to Mosquera’s family in a statement Monday.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to Ms. Mosquera’s family. Truly, OFW Leah’s dedication and quiet heroism embody the strength and sacrifices of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who carry the hopes and dreams of their families, their communities, and our nation,” the DMW said in its statement.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, the DMW-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv-Department of Foreign Affairs, will defray the expenses related to Mosquera’s return and burial, as well as provide financial assistance to her family.
It will also cover travel expenses for her sister Mae Joy back to the Philippines, it said.
“We honor Ms. Mosquera’s life of service and enduring legacy of care. She is a heroine who shall live in our hearts forever,” the DMW said.*