• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government will extend financial assistance to the family of Negrense caregiver Leah Mosquera, who died on July 13, following an Iranian missile attack that hit her apartment in Israel on June 15, disclosed Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Israel, Mosquera underwent several surgeries at the Shamir Medical Center, and remained in the intensive care unit (ICU), before passing away on Sunday.
She really fought for her life. But I guess the injuries she had sustained was too much for her, Lacson said.
Mosquera, 49, of San Enrique, Negros Occidental, was the second Negrense caregiver to die in Israel.
In October 7, 2023, Loreta Alacre, of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, also a caregiver, died, during the attack of Hamas militants in Israel. Coincidentally, she was also 49 years old then.
Lacson said they will extend P190,000 in financial assistance to the Mosquera family, a similar amount given by the provincial government to the family of Alacre two years ago.
San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara said he was informed that the companion of Mosquera survived the Iranian missile attack, sustaining some bruises.
Tubillara described Mosquera, who had served as treasurer of Barangay Guintorilan in San Enrique town, as very active and hardworking. That is why she had no problem working abroad with her sister, Joy, who is also working in Israel, Tubillara added.
The mayor added that Mosquera, who is known to him, had been working in Israel for 17 to 20 years.
Aside from the Mosquera siblings, Tubillara said there are other residents of San Enrique who are working in Israel.
The Philippine Embassy in Israel is arranging for the repatriation of Mosquera’s remains.
Tubillara, however, said they are not yet aware of the date of arrival of Mosquera’s remains in the Philippines.
Known to her friends as Ate Leah, Mosquera would have celebrated her 50th birthday on July 29.
Throughout her many years working in Israel, she dedicated herself to supporting her family back home – an enduring symbol of courage and sacrifice of overseas Filipino workers around the world, the embassy statement said.
Tubillara said they will also extend assistance to the family of Mosquera in San Enrique.*
