Leah Mosquera, the Pinay caregiver who sustained injuries from Iran’s missile strike in Israel, dies

• Leah Mosquera, a 49-year-old Filipina caregiver from Negros Occidental, has tragically passed away in Rehovot, Israel, succumbing to severe injuries sustained from a missile strike on her apartment building on June 15

• Mosquera, known as "Ate Leah," underwent multiple surgeries and fought for weeks in the Intensive Care Unit before her death was confirmed by her sister

• Her death occurred amidst an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, where the missile that struck her residence was part of retaliatory attacks

• The Philippine Embassy is arranging the repatriation of her remains, with her passing underscoring the significant dangers faced by Filipino migrant workers in conflict-prone regions

A Filipina caregiver, Leah Mosquera, 49, from Negros Occidental, tragically passed away on Sunday morning after weeks of battling severe injuries sustained in a missile strike on her apartment block in Rehovot, Israel, on June 15.

The Philippine Embassy in Israel confirmed her death, expressing profound sorrow and initiating arrangements for the repatriation of her remains.

Mosquera, affectionately known as "Ate Leah" by her friends, had been undergoing multiple surgeries and fighting for her life in the Intensive Care Unit of Shamir Medical Center since the devastating attack.

Her passing was confirmed by her sister, Joy, who also works as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Israel and had been by her side throughout her critical hospitalization.

The incident occurred amidst an intense period of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025.

Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities on June 13, to which Iran responded with retaliatory missile and drone attacks.

The missile that struck Mosquera's residential building in Rehovot, located south of Tel Aviv, was part of these exchanges.

Reports from various international news outlets indicate that the conflict resulted in dozens of casualties and significant damage to infrastructure on both sides.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also conveyed its deepest condolences to Mosquera's family and loved ones, acknowledging her sacrifice as an enduring symbol of the courage and dedication of OFWs worldwide.

The Embassy in Tel Aviv, alongside the DFA, is now working tirelessly to facilitate the immediate repatriation of her remains to the Philippines and to provide all necessary assistance to her grieving family.

Leah Mosquera, who would have celebrated her 50th birthday on July 29, dedicated many years of her life to working in Israel, sending remittances home to support her family in Negros Occidental.

Her untimely death highlights the immense risks faced by migrant workers in conflict zones, even those far removed from front lines.

The Philippine government has continuously monitored the security situation in Israel, advising its approximately 30,000 Filipino workers, mostly in the caregiving sector, to remain vigilant and adhere to local safety protocols.

Following the initial missile attacks in June, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) had already been actively involved in assisting affected Filipinos, including those who sought voluntary repatriation and others who sustained injuries.

Earlier reports indicated that at least eight Filipinos were injured in the missile strikes, with Mosquera being the one in critical condition.

The passing of Mosquera serves as a somber reminder of the humanitarian cost of geopolitical conflicts.

The Philippine Embassy in Israel has reiterated its call for the protection of civilians, including foreign workers, during times of armed conflict, emphasizing the vulnerability of those caught in the crossfire of international disputes.

As the nation mourns the loss of one of its dedicated overseas workers, efforts continue to support the Filipino community in Israel and ensure their safety amidst ongoing regional tensions.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, Philippine Coast Guard divers have recovered multiple sacks containing suspected bones, along with heavy objects like rocks and cement, in Taal Lake during the search for missing cockfighting enthusiasts. The presence of these "sinkers" inside the sacks strongly suggests a deliberate attempt to weigh them down, corroborating whistleblower claims that bodies were intentionally dumped into the lake. The discovery has intensified a multi-agency investigation, including orders from President Marcos Jr., reigniting hopes for the families of the missing "sabungeros" to find answers and justice after years of uncertainty. The discovery has intensified a multi-agency investigation, including orders from President Marcos Jr., reigniting hopes for the families of the missing "sabungeros" to find answers and justice after years of uncertainty.

Still in other news, a disturbing video has emerged showing a female Grade 8 student being physically assaulted by her peers in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, after they reportedly skipped classes and consumed alcohol. Bambang Mayor has ordered a probe into the incident, with school authorities recommending the transfer of five involved students and scheduling counseling for all parties. Authorities are considering filing cyberbullying charges due to the viral spread of the assault video, and the victim's family is determined to pursue legal action. A school official allegedly involved in selling alcohol to the underage students will be summoned, as the local government reinforces ordinances prohibiting such sales to minors.

Source: KAMI.com.gh