Israel, PH embassies condole with family of Filipina killed by Iranian missile
Smoke rises up after a strike in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Israel's embassy in the Philippines has expressed its condolences to the family of the Filipina caregiver who was killed during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera, 32, from Basista, Pangasinan, lost her life when a missile struck her apartment on March 1, according ot the Israel Embassy in Manila. Before this, she was still assisting her patient to safety while she, herself, was already injured.
"Mary Ann, like so many overseas Filipino workers in Israel, exemplified resilience, compassion, and quiet strength," the Israeli Embassy in Manila said.
"She was identified by her husband, who is also an overseas Filipino worker in Israel, and their family," it added.
"Israel joins in the profound sorrow of her family and the Filipino community. We mourn together and honor Mary Ann’s memory with dignity and respect. May her soul rest in peace," it also said.
The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family through a phone call made by Ambassador Aileen Mendiola to her husband.
Mendilola assured him of the Philippine government’s full assistance.
"The Embassy joins the entire Filipino community in the Holy Land in praying for the repose of her soul and for comfort and strength for her family during this time of grief," the embassy said.