CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has called for a congressional investigation into the death of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Dafnie Nacalaban in Kuwait.
Rodriguez urged the House of Representatives to look into the death of the 35-year-old Nacalaban, who was among his constituents.
Also, he urged the Kuwaiti government “to offer better employment terms for OFWs.”
Nacalaban had been employed as a domestic worker in Kuwait starting December 2019.
Rodriguez said that in October 2024, she was reported missing by her employer and her body was found later on.
“As a sign of her dedication to building a brighter future for her loved ones, Dafnie Nacalaban had planned to come home in December 2024 to live with her family and construct a house,” Rodriguez said.
He condoled with her family “and assured them of his commitment to pursue justice for them,” according to a statement given to the media.
Also, it added that Rodriguez had spoken with Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac who had told him that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had ordered that full assistance and support be given to the late OFW’s family.
Cacdac had visited Nacalaban’s husband and daughter and “assured them that all costs for repatriation, funeral, psychosocial, financial, livelihood, and educational assistance shall be shouldered by the national government,” the statement added.
On Tuesday, OFW Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino urged the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs “strengthen measures to ensure the safety of our workers in Kuwait.”
In a Jan. 4, 2025 statement posted on Facebook, Cacdac said that the primary suspect was in the custody of Kuwaiti authorities.
“Our legal team in Kuwait is closely coordinating with the local authorities in the ongoing investigation,” he said.
“As we await further details in the investigation, we remain proactive and unwavering in safeguarding the rights and welfare of our OFWs,” he added.
REINA C. TOLENTINO
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