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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Remains of Filipina killed in Haifa missile attack repatriated to Philippines — DFA

Remains of Filipina killed in Haifa missile attack repatriated to Philippines — DFA

Remains of Lucille Jean Gersovich arrived in Manila as the DFA assured support to the family after the April 5 Haifa, Israel missile strike

Published Apr 16, 2026 09:58 am
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that the remains of Filipina Lucille Jean Gersovich arrived in Manila on April 16, 2026, following her death in a missile attack in Haifa, Israel. (DFA / MB Visual Content Group)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that the remains of Filipina Lucille Jean Gersovich arrived in Manila on April 16, 2026, following her death in a missile attack in Haifa, Israel. (DFA / MB Visual Content Group)
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, April 17, confirmed that the remains of Filipina national Lucille Jean Gersovich, who was killed in a missile attack in Haifa, Israel, have been repatriated to the Philippines.
In a statement, the DFA said the remains of the late Gersovich arrived in Manila on April 16. “Her family was present to receive her remains,” the department said.
DFA-Office of Migration Affairs Assistant Secretary Angelica C. Escalona (right), Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Dana Kursh (center), and Israeli Embassy Consular Officer Luisa Arino (left) with the family of the late Mrs. Lucille Jean Gershovich. (Photo credit: DFA-OMA)
DFA-Office of Migration Affairs Assistant Secretary Angelica C. Escalona (right), Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Dana Kursh (center), and Israeli Embassy Consular Officer Luisa Arino (left) with the family of the late Mrs. Lucille Jean Gershovich. (Photo credit: DFA-OMA)
Gersovich was among the casualties of a missile strike that hit a residential area in Haifa on the evening of April 5. The attack, which struck a home, resulted in her death and raised renewed concerns over the safety of civilians, including foreign nationals, in conflict-affected areas.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/07/dfa-confirms-filipina-killed-in-israel-missile-strike-amid-ongoing-conflict
Following through on the commitment of DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro made during a phone call with the next of kin, the DFA—through the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, the Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs, and the Consular Office in Clarin—said it “extended all necessary assistance to the family” including facilitating the shipment of Gersovich’s remains from Israel to her home province in Lanao del Norte.
DFA said the Philippine government has consistently reminded nationals overseas to remain vigilant and coordinate with embassies for safety updates and assistance.
“The DFA, through its relevant offices, remains steadfast in upholding the Third Pillar of Philippine Foreign Policy: protecting the rights and promoting the welfare and interests of Filipinos overseas,” the department added. 
RELATED STORY: 
https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/07/two-generations-lost-in-one-attack-filipina-3-family-members-killed-in-haifa-missile-strike

Related Tags

DFA Lucille Jean Gersovich Haifa missile attack Filipina killed in Israel OFW repatriation Philippines Israel conflict news Philippines DFA Secretary Tess Lazaro
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