Remains of OFW in Kuwait arrive in Ilocos Norte

The family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Kuwait received the casket containing her remains at the Laoag International Airport on February 24, 2024, barely two months after the last time they heard from her.

Linda, 55, is from Barangay Tarrag, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. She worked as an OFW for a decade alongside two other residents from Ilocos Norte.

Her family said that they spoke to her last on December 29, 2023. After that, she has stopped answering their calls. 

On January 11, 2024, the family received news from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Laoag City that Linda had died.

The family insists on an autopsy so they will know the real cause of her death.

“Talagang pa-autopsy ko kahit mahirap lang kami, gagawan ko ng paraan para makita ang katotohanan kasi [‘yung] misis ko pumunta roon para magtrabaho,” Linda’s husband said.

“Sabihin nila ‘yung katotohanan, wala ‘yung takipan — sabihin nila ‘yung katotohanan kasi hindi pare-pareho ‘yung sinasabi nila, ‘yung natatanggap namin na balita sa kanila,” her child added.

The family said Linda had issues with fellow OFWs working for the same employer. 

“Wala namang mabigat na sinasabi [ang asawa ko], pero ang sinasabi lang ‘yung dalawang kasamahan niya sa bahay,” her husband said.

The family, working with OWWA and other authorities, are committed to pursuing the case.

“We are coordinating with the DMW [Department of Migrant Workers] and the OWWA. Kasama namin sila and na-endorse dito sa Laoag International Airport to assist the bereaved family and through this, the human remains transportation ay kinover din ni OWWA and other benefits is maa-apply sa office namin,” Harold Sahagun, Post Arrival Repatriation Unit Support Staff at OWWA-Laoag Satellite Office, said. —GMA Regional TV