Remains of Filipina killed in Israel missile strike arrive in Lanao del Norte

Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs

The remains of Lucille Jean Gershovich, a 29-year-old Filipina killed in a missile attack in Israel, arrived in the Philippines on April 16, 2026. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that her remains reached Manila on Thursday evening before being transported to her home province in Lanao del Norte.

Gershovich was one of four fatalities after an Iranian missile directly hit an apartment building in Haifa on the evening of April 5. The strike also claimed the lives of her Israeli husband, Dmitry "Dima" Gershovich (42), and her parents-in-law, Vladimir Gershovich (73) and Lena Ostrovsky (68). Reports indicate the family was in a stairwell at the time of the impact, as one elderly family member had difficulty reaching the building's bomb shelter. 

The DFA has provided the following assistance to her family:

Official Condolences: DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro personally called the next-of-kin to offer sympathies and assistance.

Repatriation Support: The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and other DFA offices facilitated the shipment of her remains despite regional travel constraints.

Local Coordination: Agencies worked to ensure the remains were safely transported to her hometown in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte. 

Gershovich is the second Filipino national confirmed killed since Middle East hostilities escalated in early 2026, following the death of another citizen in February.