The body of overseas Filipina worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia who allegedly died of asthma has arrived in her hometown in General Santos City on Monday, March 5.
The OFW was identified as Liezel Cafe, a household service worker (HSW) in Saudi.
Authorities reported that Cafe died of asthma in the Gulf state, however, Cafe’s family and a pro-OFW group believe that the OFW was a victim of abuse since she was asking for help during her last conversation with her husband.
Her mother, Estrella Gemilo, blamed the OFW’s recruiters for allowing Cafe to pass the medical examination despite her asthma.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assured that support for Cafe’s family will be extended despite her undocumented status in Saudi.
“The Regional Office dito sa Region 12 is advised to provide financial assistance to the family,” said family welfare officer of OWWA Region 12 Charles Kevin Bataga.
Meanwhile, members of Advocates and Keepers Organization of OFW (AKO OFW) also believe that Cafe was a victim of illegal recruitment.
AKO OFW regional president Gina Laureta Montalban reminded aspiring OFWs to avoid dealing with illegal recruiters.
“Bago pa po sila umalis at magtiwala sa kung kani-kanino man dapat mayroon silang ID na may SRA kumbaga Special Recruitment Authorized para hindi po tayo malagay sa alanganin at hindi po matulad sa ganito na pangyayari,” she said.
Cafe left behind her husband and four children.
The family also hopes that Cafe’s recruitment agency be apprehended.
