BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Provincial Government has committed to provide financial assistance to the family of Negrense overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who died on July 13 following a missile attack in Israel last month.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the province will release P190,000 in aid, under the Provincial Migration and Development Initiatives Project, to the family of Leah Mosquera, 49, a resident of San Enrique town.
“We deeply mourn the loss of our fellow Negrense abroad. This is a small but meaningful way to show that the province stands with the families in their time of grief,” Gov. Lacson said.
Mosquera, a caregiver, sustained severe injuries to her heart and lungs when a missile struck her residence in Rehovot during Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel. She was given emergency treatment but remained in critical condition at the intensive care unit of Shamir Medical Center until she passed away on Sunday.
The governor also shared that additional efforts are being made to assist other families with relatives working in high-risk areas overseas.
The provincial government continues to coordinate with national government agencies to ensure welfare and reintegration support for OFWs and their families.
Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured full government support to Mosquera’s family.
“In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DMW-OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), in partnership with the PHL (Philippine) Embassy in Tel Aviv-DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), shall defray expenses related to OFW Leah’s return and burial,” read part of the agency’s statement on Sunday night.
The DMW added that it would also provide financial assistance to the family of Mosquera, including the travel cost of her sister, Mae Joy, who also works as a caregiver in Israel, to accompany the return of her late sister’s remains to the Philippines.
The DMW honored Mosquera for her service and enduring legacy of care.
“OFW Leah’s dedication and quiet heroism embody the strength and sacrifices of our overseas Filipino workers who carry the hopes and dreams of their families, their communities, and our nation,” the DMW said.
Mosquera was the second Negrense OFW to die due to the ongoing conflict in the region. On October 7, 2023, the 49-year-old caregiver Loreta Alacre of Barangay Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, was killed during a Hamas-led attack. Her family also received the same financial aid from the provincial government. (Watchmen Daily Journal/with a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
