MANILA, Philippines: The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israeli Embassy in Manila are saddened by the death of Cydrick Garin, a Filipino reserve soldier in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who was killed with 21 others during a massive explosion in Gaza on January 22.

The embassy on Facebook wrote that Garin was the son of two Filipino parents. His father is "preparing to travel to Israel."

Garin's father hails from General Santos City while his mother, a native of Isabela province, resides in Tel Aviv.

"The embassy and the Filipino community in Israel share in the grief of the family of Sgt. Garin and join in prayers for strength, peace, and comfort for all those he left behind," it added.

Meanwhile, the Embassy of Israel in a statement on Wednesday said it is "facilitating the travel of Sgt. Garin's father to Israel."

"Israel shares the profound grief of Sgt. Garin's family and the Filipino community. Our commitment is strong to support his loved ones during this challenging time," the Israeli embassy said.

According to The Jerusalem Post (TJP) Garin, 23, was killed in Gaza after a rocket was fired at a building where the IDF soldiers were taking cover causing it to collapse on them.

Garin, who belonged to the 8208th battalion of the 261st brigade, received an award from Southern Command in 2021 for his outstanding role as a soldier in the Givati Brigade, the TJP said.

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