More OFWs to return from Israel

MANILA, Philippines — More overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are set to come home from Israel this week, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

The sixth batch of 42 OFWs will arrive from Israel this afternoon, DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac said.

Yesterday’s batch of 22 OFWs and one infant arrived onboard Etihad Airways flight EY 424 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Among them are 19 caregivers and three hotel workers.

Meanwhile, Mary Grace Prodigo-Cabrera’s remains were also brought back yesterday by her sister Mary June Prodigo, who is part of the latest group of returnees. Cabrera was one of four Filipino caregivers who died on the first day of attacks launched by Islamist group Hamas on Oct. 7.

Her remains will be brought to Maasim, Iloilo.

Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss and Consul Moti Cohen were present when Cabrera’s ashes arrived.

“My sincerest condolences and sympathy to the family of Grace. At the same time, I would like to thank her for dedicating her life serving and protecting her Israeli employer. Israelis consider all the OFWs who were murdered by Hamas as heroes. They are now forever part of our family,” Fluss said.

“Grace Cabrera will be joining the big Israeli family of ‘Victims of Terror‘ together with the 1,400 others that have been murdered last Oct. 7,” the Israeli embassy in Manila said.

Cabrera’s family will be receiving lifetime benefits and assistance from the Israeli government.

The family of Filipino caregiver Angelyn Aguirre, who refused to leave her elderly employer during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, will also receive assistance.

Cacdac said the return of two batches of OFWs this week will bring to 184 the total number of returnees from Israel.

He added that more returning OFWs are expected as hostilities between the Israel Defense Force and Hamas show no signs of abating.

Meanwhile, Philippine labor groups yesterday joined the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to violence.

The Nagkaisa labor coalition renounced the war and urged the global community to take immediate and effective actions to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

“Political resolution cannot be