MANILA, Philippines — The repatriation of Mary Ann de Vera, the first Filipino casualty of the escalating Middle East conflict, has been stalled due to widespread airspace closures across the region following Iranian counterattacks and ongoing strikes.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced during a Malacañang briefing on March 2, 2026, that the government is forced to wait for a safer window to bring De Vera’s remains home to Basista, Pangasinan.
- Grounded Flights: Philippine Ambassador to Israel Aileen Mendiola confirmed that airports in Israel and neighboring countries are currently non-operational, preventing the departure of any repatriation flights.
- Family Situation: De Vera’s husband, who is also an OFW in Israel, is currently being assisted by DMW and OWWA teams in Tel Aviv. A cousin in Qatar is also facing travel restrictions due to the regional situation.
De Vera, 32, a 2017 BS Pharmacy graduate of the Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation, is being honored for her bravery.
- The Incident: On the evening of February 28, 2026, she was killed while trying to save her elderly ward. Instead of seeking safety alone, she stayed to help the patient reach a bomb shelter in Tel Aviv.
- Cause of Death: They were unable to reach the shelter in time. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. noted she died after being hit by shrapnel from falling bombs.
President Marcos Jr. has assured the family of full state support, including financial aid and burial assistance.
- DMW & OWWA Support: Special teams have been deployed both to the family’s home in Pangasinan and to Tel Aviv to provide psycho-social and logistical aid.
- International Cooperation: Secretary Cacdac noted that the Israeli government is “fully backing” the Philippines in the repatriation effort once the security situation allows.
While there is no “mass repatriation” for the thousands of OFWs in the region yet, the DMW maintains it is ready to execute evacuation plans should the conflict escalate further.