Israeli envoy assures aid to slain OFW’s family

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Israeli Consul Moti Cohen has assured the family of Filipina caregiver Leah Mosquera from San Enrique, Negros Occidental, of assistance from the Israeli government following her death in a recent missile strike in Rehovot, Israel.

Cohen arrived in the province Wednesday to pay his respects to Mosquera, who had worked in Israel for nearly two decades before her death.

He was welcomed by officials from the Department of Migrant Workers–Negros Island Region (DMW-NIR) led by Glenda Aligonza, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 6 Director James Mendiola, and Provincial Public Employment Service Office Head Karen Dinsay.

Cohen paid a courtesy visit to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol before traveling to San Enrique to visit Mosquera’s wake and meet her family.

In a media interview, Cohen expressed condolences on behalf of the Israeli government and recalled a similar visit two years ago to the family of another OFW, Loreta Alacre from Cadiz City, who also died amid the conflict.

He assured Mosquera’s family of financial and humanitarian aid, saying that foreign nationals affected by attacks or acts of terror receive the same support as Israeli citizens.

Part of his visit included explaining the assistance and benefits the family will receive and ensuring that the support is properly facilitated.

Cohen noted that about 30,000 Filipinos currently work in Israel and are covered by the same safety and security protocols as Israeli nationals.

Meanwhile, Lacson turned over PHP190,000 in financial assistance to Mosquera’s brother, Roel, as part of the provincial government’s aid for OFWs affected by overseas tragedies.

Lacson said he had a pleasant conversation with Cohen and thanked him for the gesture extended by the Israeli government to Mosquera’s family.

“He was here to condole and assure aid to the family of Leah,” the governor said.

Lacson invited Cohen to visit the province again on a happier occasion.

Mosquera, 49, previously served as barangay treasurer in Barangay Guintorilan, San Enrique, before working abroad with her sister.

She is the second OFW from the province killed in the ongoing conflict.

Her remains arrived in her hometown last week.