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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Revilla galvanized to further protect OFWs after what happened to caregiver, seafarer

Revilla galvanized to further protect OFWs after what happened to caregiver, seafarer

Published Mar 14, 2026 08:07 pm

At A Glance

  • AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla feels more determined than ever to fight for the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after witnessing the return of the remains of a Filipino caregiver from Israel, as well as learning about the case of a missing seafarer-compatriot in the Strait of Hormuz.
AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla (rightmost) (Facebook)
AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla (rightmost) (Facebook)


AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla feels more determined than ever to fight for the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after witnessing the return of the remains of a Filipino caregiver from Israel, as well as learning about the case of a missing seafarer-compatriot in the Strait of Hormuz.
“These developments remind us that our kababayans abroad often stand on the frontlines of global crises, whether on land or at sea. Their safety must remain a paramount national concern,” Revilla said in a statement Saturday, March 14.
Revilla is chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, which works closely with agencies that oversee the situation of migrant Filipinos everywhere in the world.
He added that Congress will continue closely monitoring both the humanitarian impact of the Middle East crisis on OFW and the potential economic ripple effects on Filipino households as global oil and fuel prices surge.
Earlier Saturday, Revilla, joined officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in welcoming the remains of OFW Mary Ann de Vera at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
De Vera, a 32-year-old caregiver from Basista, Pangasinan, had been working in Israel since 2019. She became the first confirmed Filipino casualty of the recent military escalation when she was struck by missile debris in Tel Aviv on March 1.
Reports indicated that De Vera was selflessly assisting her elderly patient to a safety shelter during the height of "Operation Roaring Lion" when the tragedy occurred. The military action involved the coordinated bombing of Iran by the United States (US) and Israel.
Her husband, Bernie Lavarias, accompanied her casket on the flight from Israel to Manila. Family members and government officials received her in a solemn ceremony at the airport.
“Ang kabayanihan at malasakit niya sa kapwa ay huwarang ehemplo ng dedikasyon ng ating mga OFW na patuloy na nagbibigay dangal sa ating bansa (Her heroism and compassion for others are a shining example of the dedication of our OFWs, who continue to bring honor to our nation). While we mourn her passing, we honor her heroic act to save a life. Like many other OFWs, she deserves to be welcomed with dignity, respect, and honor,” Revilla said during the solemn arrival.
Revilla noted that De Vera’s death underscored the growing risks faced by Filipinos working in regions affected by armed conflict and geopolitical tensions.
The repatriation of her remains took nearly two weeks due to logistical challenges brought about by restricted airspace and escalating hostilities in the region.
Amid the volatile situation in the Middle East, Revilla emphasized the urgent need to strengthen safety protocols and crisis response mechanisms for OFWs deployed in high-risk areas.
The party-list lawmaker also pointed to the broader risks confronting OFWs across global conflict zones, citing the case of a Filipino seafarer who remains missing following the recent seizure of a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
The seafarer was part of a crew caught in the crossfire of escalating maritime tensions that led to the unilateral closure of the strategic waterway, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes that's mainly controlled by Iran.
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