• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
House Speaker Martin Romualdez is giving financial assistance of P500,000 to the family of Loreta Villarin Alacre, a Negrense caregiver who died in the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas fighters.
This was confirmed yesterday by Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., who on October 18 will turn over financial assistance of P500,000 to the family of Alacre, residing at Brgy. Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, along with Negros Occidental Second District Rep. Alfredo Marañon III.
Romualdez and Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez had earlier collectively pledged a personal donation of P1 million, or P500,000 each, to support the families of the two Filipinos who were initially confirmed to have lost their lives during the hostilities.
Alacre was the third Filipino to have died in Israel.
Romualdez, in a statement issued during the weekend, said it was worth mentioning that all three victims “were dedicated caregivers, whose lives were cut short by the devastating conflict.”
Escalante said the Cadiz City government also extended initial assistance to the family of Alacre, whose remains are yet to be returned to Negros Occidental, as it is still being worked out by the Philippine government.
He added that the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cadiz City is also set to pass a resolution extending their sympathy to the Alacre family, and giving her a recognition as “Bagong Bayani”.
Annabella Alacre said there is no update yet on the arrival of the remains of Loreta, her younger sister.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental assured the family of the slain Negrense OFW that they are prepared to assist in bringing back the remains of Loreta to Cadiz City, and in any way possible, to help ease the burden on the family.
Upon the return of her remains, Loreta is set to be buried at a public cemetery in Brgy. Caduhaan, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.*
