CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Tuesday mourned the death of a Filipina worker killed in a missile attack in Haifa, Israel, warning that overseas workers are among the most vulnerable in escalating global conflicts and calling for urgent de-escalation.

In a statement, FFW President Sonny Matula extended condolences to the victim’s family, saying the tragedy underscores the risks faced by Filipinos working abroad.

“No worker should die for a war not of their making,” the group said, stressing that migrant workers often bear the brunt of violence despite having no role in the conflict.

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The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the fatality following the April 5 missile strike, which was reported publicly on April 7.

FFW said the incident highlights a harsh reality: wars are often framed in terms of strategy and security, but their human cost falls heavily on civilians—particularly workers, women, and children.

“When bombs fall, it is the most vulnerable who suffer most,” the group said. “Lives are disrupted, families are broken, and dreams are cut short.”

The labor group backed the call of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) for de-escalation, diplomacy, and respect for international law amid intensifying tensions in the Middle East.

FFW also noted that during a pre-International Labour Conference meeting in Bangkok, Philippine affiliates of ITUC-Asia Pacific proposed a resolution urging member states to support a global peace initiative at the 114th session of the International Labour Organization (ILO), set from June 1 to 12 in Geneva.

The conference, the ILO’s highest policy-making body, brings together governments, employers, and workers’ representatives from across the world.

FFW emphasized that peace is not optional but necessary, warning against normalizing civilian deaths in armed conflicts.

“A life lost is not collateral damage to the family left behind,” the group said.

The organization also urged the Philippine government to strengthen assistance to overseas Filipinos in conflict zones, including timely aid, evacuation support when needed, and sustained communication with affected families.

“In war, civilians bleed first—and workers bleed quietly,” FFW said. “There is no winner. All are victims.”