By Monsi A. Serrano
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) led a solemn remembrance for the Filipino heroes who perished during the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks in Israel, a tragedy that claimed over 1,200 innocent lives and saw 254 people taken hostage. Among the fallen were Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who embodied the highest form of courage and devotion—choosing not to abandon their employers even in the face of certain death.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac paid tribute to these Filipino migrant workers, whose heroism, he said, transcends borders and defines what it means to serve with compassion. He emphasized that their bravery and selflessness have become enduring symbols of the Filipino spirit—steadfast, caring, and loyal even amid terror.
“The lives of the Israelis and Filipinos lost that day will live on—their bravery and compassion remain forever in our hearts,” Cacdac said, recalling how Filipino workers stood by their employers during the assault, some shielding them from harm until their final moments.
Two years since the tragedy, grief continues to weigh heavily on survivors and families of those who perished. Yet amid sorrow, Cacdac said, there also shines a powerful light of hope and resilience, seen in the new lives and families rebuilt after the tragedy—living testaments to the courage of the Filipino people.
The DMW chief also reaffirmed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold a government founded on empathy, compassion, and action, ensuring that every Filipino worker abroad is not only protected but honored. “Our OFWs and their families can withstand any measure of adversity,” he said, adding that the DMW remains committed to turning compassion into concrete outcomes for migrant workers worldwide.
The ceremony also paid homage to the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Israel, strengthened through shared experiences of loss and solidarity. Cacdac recalled the cooperation between both nations during the height of the crisis, describing it as a partnership built on courage, coordination, and deep humanity.
A poignant part of the event was the presentation of the book “One Day in October: 40 Heroes, 40 Stories,” which chronicles the lives and sacrifices of those who lived through the Hamas attacks. One chapter tells the story of Filipina OFW Camille Toro Minza, who vowed to protect her employers until her last breath. This story mirrors the selfless devotion of many Filipino workers that day.
Beyond their heroism during crises, Cacdac stressed that OFWs are the nation’s modern-day heroes—not only because of their vital economic contributions through remittances, but also because of their immense personal sacrifices and role as cultural ambassadors who uplift the image of the Philippines abroad.
“Despite hardship and separation, our OFWs continue to inspire us. Their courage during the darkest of days, and their resilience every day, remind us what it truly means to be Filipino,” Cacdac said.