TEL AVIV, Israel —A Filipino overseas worker has been officially confirmed killed in a missile strike in central Israel, Philippine authorities said Sunday night.

The victim was identified as Mary Anne Velazquez Rivera, a native of Pangasinan and an overseas caregiver in Israel. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.confirmed that Rivera died after she was unable to reach a bomb shelter during an airstrike in the Tel Aviv area, where Iranian-launched missiles have struck amid escalating regional conflict. Rivera died due to serious shrapnel wounds.

Rivera’s death marks the first confirmed Filipino casualty linked to the surge of missile attacks tied to the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. The President’s announcement came after earlier government statements had reported no Filipino casualties, underscoring the rapidly evolving situation.

Philippine authorities said they are coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and local emergency services to assist Rivera’s family with repatriation arrangements. A full account of the circumstances surrounding her death is still being compiled by diplomatic and local officials.

Rivera is among thousands of Filipinos working across Israel and the broader Middle East, many of whom have been affected by the recent missile barrages that have damaged residential buildings and infrastructure.

Officials reiterated travel advisories for Filipino nationals in the region to stay in secure locations and maintain contact with Philippine diplomatic posts for updates and assistance.

Separate Casualty in UAE Hotel Attack

In a separate incident, Malacañang also confirmed the death of another Filipino — described as the great-granddaughter of a former Philippine government official — who was killed in a missile strike that hit a hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As of presstime, this information is being verified.

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