Slain Negrense OFW’s return from Israel still uncertain

By Dolly Yasa

Bacolod City – Nothing is certain yet as to when the remains of a Negrense Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who was killed in Israel will be brought home to sitio Camay-an, Barangay Cadiz Viejo in Cadiz City.

This is according to the siblings of Loreta Alactre, who was among the OFWs killed in the war between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

Nelia, a sister of Loreta and an OFW herself, told reporters Wednesday that they could not determine yet when her sister’s remains will be repatriated.

Nelia, 40, is the youngest sister and also an OFW in Kuwait while Loreta, 49, is the sixth in the brood of eight.

Nelia said she cut short her stint in Kuwait after what happened to her sister and arrived home Tuesday night with the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

She said they are thankful for what the Philippine government is doing to bring home the remains of her sister.

“Wala pa gid piho kon san-o makapuli di ang bangkay sang amon otod,” she told reporters here.

She added they already sent the documents required from them.

“We will just wait but we hope it will be sooner,” she said.

Nelia said she would no longer go back to her work abroad upon the prodding of her siblings after what happened to Loreta.

Elena, the eldest sister, said Loreta was a very caring person who had been helping her siblings’ children go to school.

She also said that Loreta is financing the construction of their house which is almost finished.

Loreta, she said, has been working in Israel for 14 years and was supposed to go home in December to celebrate her 50th birthday with them.

CASH ASSISTANCE

Meanwhile, Annabella, another sister of Loreta, received on behalf of the family the P500,000 cash assistance from House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and his wife Tingog partylist Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez.

The cash assistance was turned over to them by Rizalino Roxas II from the Office of the House Speaker and Delwyn S. Layson of Tingog Partylist.

Negros Occidental 2nd district Rep. Alfredo Marañon III, who was tasked by Romualdez to facilitate the turnover of cash assistance to the family, also gave an undisclosed cash aid from his end.

He said his office will also see what other assistance can be extended to the family.

Cadiz City mayor Salvador Escalante said the city government has also extended assistance to the family, especially on the wake being held for Loreta.