THE recent death of a Filipino domestic worker in Kuwait has highlighted once more the risks encountered by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), said Sen. Bong Go.
“This is very painful for the families of our countrymen. Government agencies should always be ready to help in such situations. We cannot abandon them,” said Go in Filipino.
“It is difficult to be separated from one’s family to work abroad. It even becomes harder when a tragedy like this happens. We sympathize with the family of the deceased,” he added.
The deceased OFW had been missing for two months before her remains were discovered, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
The victim’s body, found in an advanced state of decomposition, was set to be repatriated after Kuwaiti authorities completed their investigation, the DMW added.
The deceased first secured employment in Kuwait as a domestic helper in December 2019. She was last reported missing by her second employer in October 2024.
“She left her first employer, and there was a second employer. And it was the second employer who reported the absconding last Oct. 16,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac said.
The cadaver was discovered after a sibling of the suspect made a report to the police, the DMW said.
Similar cases, such as the deaths of Jullebee Ranara in 2023 and Joanna Demafelis in 2018, led to a temporary deployment ban of OFWs to Kuwait.
“Such incidents should not be repeated. The government must ensure that our compatriots abroad have adequate protection,” said Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers.
Go has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to protect OFWs. He is the author and co-sponsor of Republic Act 11641, which established the DMW.
He filed Senate Bill 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and Senate Bill 2414, or the OFW Ward Act, to ensure that every hospital under the Department of Health provides dedicated care for migrant workers and their families.
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