Anne Curtis, Jodi Sta. Maria pray for OFWs’ safety in escalating Middle East war

Filipino actress and television host Anne Curtis recently shared her concern for families and Filipinos caught in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, urging for peace and safety as tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran escalate.

In a heartfelt Instagram story last Saturday, Anne, 41 recalled a frightening experience onboard a plane headed for Dubai to meet her family. 

She described seeing high-speed jets fly by their plane. Soon after, the airline crew announced a sudden change in course due to the hostilities. Thousands of flights were either grounded or diverted, highlighting the increasingly volatile situation.

She prayed for the safety of all families affected by the conflict, particularly overseas Filipino workers now living in fear and uncertainty.

This call for peace and solidarity becomes even more poignant with the news of the first Filipino casualty in the conflict. Mary Ann V. de Vera, a 32-year-old caregiver from Pangasinan, was confirmed dead on Saturday following a missile attack in Tel Aviv, Israel.

According to The Times of Israel, the Israeli Embassy in the Philippines said Mary Ann was tragically injured while helping her patient during Operation Roaring Lion on March 1. Her identity was verified through biometric records by the Philippine Embassy in Israel, with the assistance of the Israeli National Police Interpol unit. Her husband, who also works in Israel, positively identified her remains.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog personally conveyed his condolences to Philippine Ambassador Aileen Mendiola. The embassy has assured the family of full support during this difficult time.

Filipino actress Jodi Sta. Maria, 43 also expressed her sympathy on the ongoing crisis by posting on X. “In war, no one truly wins… it’s always the people who are left living in fear, traumatized, and confused.” She added, "Thinking of everyone affected by the US-Israel-Iran conflict, especially our fellow Filipinos in the Middle East."

Sta. Maria ends her tweet saying, "Praying for safety, clarity, and peace for all."