Filipina nurse among the casualties in Israel-Hamas war after refusing to abandon patient—official
Filipina nurse Angelyn Aguirre was killed in the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas after refusing to leave her elderly patient, according to an Israeli official.
Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum announced the news on Wednesday, Oct. 11.
“[Angeline] was a nurse from the Philippines who was caring for her elderly patient, Nira on Kibbutz Kfar Gaza,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining Nira’s side during the violence, resulting in both of them being brutally murdered by Hamas,” she added. “Unimaginable honor in the face of evil.”
Angeline was a nurse from the Philippines who was caring for her elderly patient, Nira on Kibbutz Kfar Gaza. Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining Nira’s side during the violence, resulting in both… pic.twitter.com/IDWcqntwWn
— פלר חסן נחום Fleur Hassan-Nahoum (@FleurHassanN) October 11, 2023
Her family in Binmaley, Pangasinan grieves for her untimely passing, saying that their only wish right now is to bring home Angelyn’s remains to give her a proper burial.
“Napakasakit, hindi ko matanggap. Kahit na sinong magulang hindi matatanggap na mawawalan sila ng anak,” Angelyn’s mother Erlinda shared in an interview with GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon.
She added that no words could explain how much pain they were in and how much they are missing their beloved daughter.
They last got in touch with Angelyn on Oct. 6, with the OFW saying how she has been worrying about the ongoing war.
On Oct. 9, Angelyn's death was confirmed by her sister Angenica who has also been working in Israel.
“You are always in my heart my dearest sister Angelyn. I love you very much,” she wrote in her Facebook post.
In a separate post, she explained her inability to respond to everyone reaching out to her during this difficult time in their family's lives.
“Sa lahat po ng [tumatawag] at ngmemessage po sakin humihingi po ako ng pasensya na hindi ko po kayo masagot dahil nsa traumatic condition pa po ako at ang isip ko ay magulo. [Pasensya] na po at maraming salamat," Angenica said.
Authorities have been continuously coordinating with the family.
According to the outlet, Angelyn was fatally shot by Hamas inside the bomb shelter—where she was staying in with her patient. Her death comes a year after the nurse went back to Israel a week after getting married.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that there are two Filipinos who have been killed in the war.
“The Philippines condemns the killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as a result of Hamas actions against Israel,” DFA secretary Enrique Manalo wrote in his post.
However, it isn't clear yet if Angelyn is one of the two Pinoy casualties.
The Israel-Hamas conflict began on Oct. 7 after “a wave of Palestinian attacks by land, sea, and air” occurred in Israel, which immediately resulted in more than 200 casualties. As of writing, the death toll on both territories has reached over 1,200.