President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the family of Loreta “Lorie” Villarin Alacre, the Negrense killed in a firefight between Hamas militants and Israeli forces, of the immediate repatriation of her remains as soon as a humanitarian corridor will be opened.
The president gave the assurance in a phone call to Loreta’s sister, Nelia Alacre, who works in Kuwait, on Sunday, October 15.
The family of Loreta , who is from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, appealed to government last week to bring home her body so they can see her one last time before she is buried.
Nelia said she asked the president for help so she can return to Negros to also see Loreta one last time. “I am going home with the help of the president,” Nelia said on Monday.
Alacre, 49, who had been working as a caregiver in Haifa and Tel Aviv, was killed in an attack by Hamas militants on October 7.
In the telephone call with Nelia, the president extended his condolences and said that the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will provide all the necessary assistance to those affected by the armed conflict.
The president assured that the government is now focusing on doing everything it can to bring back the remains of Loreta.
“There is assistance for the family, but we will do everything that needs to be done to bring your sister home. We’re waiting to see what the situation will be in Israel because it’s really very chaotic right now and everything is closed,” the president told Nelia.
Marcos said that the Philippine ambassador to Egypt is now waiting for positive feedback for the possible opening of a humanitarian corridor so that the government can start with the repatriation efforts.
The President also said that the airport in Tel Aviv, Israel is still open but it is not yet allowing refugees. However, the Philippine government is coordinating efforts with the Israeli government to allow the repatriation of affected Filipinos.
Anabella Alacre, a sister of Loreta in Negros, said she was gathering the documents, including a birth certificate, required for hasten the return of Loreta’s body.
She went to the office of Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson Monday morning where she was provided assistance.
Anabella said they are also seeking assistance for the burial of Loreta when her remains return.
The Department Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas has provided initial financial assistance to the family of Loreta.*