A reservist of Filipino descent serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was killed in a massive explosion perpetrated by Hamas militants in Israel, the Israeli Embassy in Manila said Wednesday, Jan. 24.
Sergeant First Class (Reserves) Cydrick Garin was one of the 21 ID soldiers who died when the Palestine-based militants, tagged by various countries as terrorists, launched a rocket-based grenade (RPG) against them during their controlled-demolition on two buildings in southern Gaza on Jan. 22.
According to the embassy, Garin's mother is a native of Isabela, residing in Tel Aviv, while his father is a native of General Santos City.
The incident was the deadliest for Israel as it started its war on Hamas in October 2023.
The embassy is currently facilitating the travel of the victim's father to Israel, it said.
"Israel shares the profound grief of Sgt. Garin's family and the Filipino community," the embassy said.
"Our commitment is strong to support his loved ones during this challenging time," it added.