13 November 2003 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople late last night confirmed that one Filipina lost her life while looking after the children entrusted to her care when terrorists struck in the dead of night, bombing the
Al-Mohayya residential complex in the city of Riyadh on 09 November 2003.  The death of the Filipina, identified as Ms. Reylin Nuez Abarra, was confirmed by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.  The DFA already informed the family of Ms. Abarra of this sad news and will be providing them with all the necessary assistance.

“It is with deep regret that I bring news of this sad development on the despicable bombing in Riyadh and I lament that our worst fears have been confirmed.” the Secretary said.  The Secretary however maintained that in spite of this sad development, the Philippines would issue no travel advisory against Saudi Arabia.

In expressing his sympathies to the family of the deceased, Secretary Ople extolled Reylin’s heroism.  “Though I share the great mourning her family is going through, I also admire the courage and dedication displayed by Reylin as she was reportedly caring for her employer’s two children when the attack occurred,” the Secretary said.  According to reports, the children Ms. Abarra were looking after also died with her.

The Secretary immediately instructed Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Bahnarim A. Guinomla to expedite the return of Ms. Abarra’s remains to the Philippines and ensure that she is given all the benefits due her.

“Our Embassy’s officials are on top of the situation in Riyadh and I have instructed them to continue monitoring the situation by remaining vigilant in searching for and identifying other Filipinos that may have been affected by the Riyadh bombing, though I fervently hope that there would be no more Filipino casualties,” Secretary Ople said. END.