The Israeli Embassy in the Philippines reported on Wednesday, Jan. 24, that a 23-year-old Filipino national serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was killed in a massive explosion perpetrated by Hamas militants in Gaza.
In a statement, the embassy said Sergeant First Class (Reserves) Cydrick Garin was one of the 21 IDF soldiers who died when the Palestine-based militants, tagged by various countries as terrorists, launched a rocket-based grenade against them during their controlled-demolition on two buildings in southern Gaza last Monday, Jan. 22.
According to the embassy, Garin’s mother is a native of Isabela. They are residing in Tel Aviv, while his father stays General Santos City.
The incident was the deadliest for Israel as it declared war on Hamas in October 2023.
The embassy is currently facilitating the travel of the victim’s father to Israel, it said.
“Israel shares the profound grief of Sgt. Garin’s family and the Filipino community,” the embassy said.
“Our commitment is strong to support his loved ones during this challenging time,” it added.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Garin enlisted in the IDF and joined its Givati Brigade, where he received recognition as an outstanding soldier in the unit from the Southern Command in April 2021.
