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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Face of PH': Envoys hail compassion, courage of slain Pinay nurse

'Face of PH': Envoys hail compassion, courage of slain Pinay nurse

Published Oct 14, 2023 04:32 am

The ambassadors of France and Japan in the Philippines lauded the “courage” and “compassion” of Angelyn Aguirre, the Filipina nurse who was killed during one of Hamas’ attacks in Israel last week, for staying with her ward amid the danger.

Angelyn Aguirre2.jpgDeputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum shares this photo of Angelyn Aguirre, a Filipina nurse who died with her elderly patient amid the war in Israel. (Photo from Hassan-Nahoum via X)

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko posted on X (formerly Twitter) of their admiration for Aguirre’s dedication to her profession.

Calling her the “face of (the Philippines),” the French envoy said Aguirre’s given name “Angeline” was what she had always been since she was born.

“She was a caring and loving angel for Nira (the patient). She is now a God angel because deciding to stay with her she was the victim the brutal horrifying inhuman violence of the terrorist Hamas,” she wrote.

“I present my sincere condolences to the (Filipino) people for the 3 victims of the terrorist attacks in (Israel). The memory of Angeline, as a symbol of this tragedy but above all of the Filipino love, smile, care and courage will remain deeply alive,” Fontanel added.

She wrote this along with a reposted tweet from Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum who was the first to honor Aguirre by sharing her photo on X.

“Angeline was a nurse from the Philippines who was caring for her elderly patient, Nira on Kibbutz Kfar Gaza. Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining (by) Nira's side during the violence, resulting in both of them being brutally murdered by Hamas. Unimaginable honor in the face of evil,” she said.

Koshikawa also sent his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of the Filipino nurses and workers who lost their lives in the violence between Israel and Hamas.

Aguirre was one of the two Filipinos who have been confirmed dead because of the attacks.

“I am one with the many who show their profound respect for their dedication and passion even in a foreign land. Praying for the safety of Filipinos still in Gaza,” the Japanese envoy wrote.

“As I hear this news, I recall the Filipinos who continued to stay in Fukushima and care for the elderly in the difficult time of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. They share same spirit of compassion, reminding us of the strength within the human,” he added.

The Philippines has raised Alert Level 3, or voluntary repatriation, in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war that reportedly killed 1,300 people in Israel and 1,900 in Gaza.

It has been more than a week since the Palestine militant group Hamas struck Israel with a barrage of air, sea, and ground rockets.

Israel retaliation cut off electricity and water in Gaza, and warned 1.1 million people living in northern Gaza to evacuate their homes.

Local and foreign nationals have been taken hostage by Hamas as world leaders scramble to get their citizens out of the strife-torn Israel and Palestine.

Related Tags

Israel Koshikawa Kazuhiko Repatriation Hamas attack Marie Fontanel
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