IDF soldier of Filipino descent killed in Gaza blast

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 24) — The Philippine Embassy in Israel confirmed that an Israeli soldier of Filipino descent was among the 21 members of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) killed in a massive explosion in Gaza on Monday.

«The Embassy is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sergeant First Class (Reserves) Cydrick Garin,» it said in a statement.

Garin's mother is from Isabela Province, currently residing in Tel Aviv, while his father is from General Santos City. He is now preparing to travel to Israel.

«The Embassy and the Filipino community in Israel share in the grief of the family of Sgt. Garin and join in prayers for strength, peace, and comfort for all those he left behind,» the embassy added.

«Nak paano kakayanin ang lahat ngayon wala ka na? I'm gonna miss you so much. I love you nak. [Hindi] kita makakalimutan,» Garin's mother said as she posted a photo of her son in military uniform.

[Translation: How can I handle everything now that you're gone? I'm gonna miss you so much, son. I love you. I will never forget you.]

Reports said Israeli soldiers were preparing explosives in a two-story building when a militant fired a grenade at a tank nearby, causing the building in which they were in to collapse.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, the Palestinian Health Ministry said the death toll has surpassed 25,000 while at least 63,000 injuries have been recorded.

Meanwhile, Israel said 552 of its soldiers have died since October 7—the day Hamas launched a surprise attack on the Jewish state.