• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured the family of Negrense caregiver Loreta “Lorie” Villarin Alacre of the immediate repatriation of her remains as soon as a humanitarian corridor is opened for affected civilians.
In a telephone call with the victim’s sister on Sunday, President Marcos personally extended his condolences and said that the DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the armed conflict.
The President said that the government is now focusing on how to send back home the remains of Alacre.
“May assistance para sa pamilya, pero lahat ng kailangang gawin para maiuwi na (ang iyong kapatid) ay gagawin na muna namin. Iyon lamang, hinihintay muna natin kung ano ‘yung magiging sitwasyon doon sa Israel dahil talagang napakagulo masyado ngayon at sarado lahat (There is assistance for the family, we are doing everything we can to bring home your sister. Although we have to wait for the situation to develop further as it is complicated now and everything is closed),” Marcos Jr. said.
“Tulungan ka namin. Basta’t nandito ang gobyerno. Lahat ng mga embassy natin naka-alert naman, alam nila ang sitwasyon mo… lahat nga gusto nang umuwi kaya ‘yun na muna ang inayos namin at basta’t mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon ay iuuwi na namin silang lahat (We will help you. The government is here. All our embassies are on alert and know your situation… everyone there wants to go home so that is what we are addressing now and given the opportunity we will bring everyone home),” he added.
President Marcos said that the Philippine ambassador to Egypt is waiting for positive feedback on the possible opening of a humanitarian corridor so that the government can start with repatriation efforts.
After 15 years, OFW Nelia Alacre is returning to their home in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, to reunite with her sister, Loreta, who was killed in the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas fighters, who will be also on her way home soon, although in a casket.
Annabella Alacre, the elder sister of Loreta, confirmed on Monday that PBBM personally called up his other sister, Nelia, who is also working as an OFW in Kuwait, on Sunday, to extend his sympathies.
According to Annabella, Nelia requested PBBM to help facilitate her return to the Philippines, as she had not personally seen her sister, who worked in Israel for 15 years prior to her death, and the President granted her request.
While they are expecting the arrival of Nelia anytime, Annabella said there is no specific date on the arrival of the remains of Loreta, as they are still processing her birth certificate which is required by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for the transport of her cadaver from Israel to Philippines.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development initially extended an initial P40,000 in cash and food assistance to the nephews and nieces of Loreta, whose education she financed, and her sibling in Cadiz City, who is a solo parent.
Annabella disclosed that Loreta financed the education of five nephews and nieces, three of whom are in college, while two others are Grade 11 students.
She added that Loreta served as the breadwinner of the family. Meanwhile, DSWD also plans to extend livelihood assistance to the immediate family.
Loreta, 49, reportedly attended the Supernova Music Festival outside the Re’im Kibbutz near the Gaza Strip that was attacked by Hamas fighters.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental and Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante have assured help for the family of Alacre and families of Negrense OFWs needing assistance in the war-torn Israel.
Nelia, Annabella and Loreta are among the eight siblings of Alacre family, who reside in Sitio Camia an, Brgy.Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.*
