Relatives of Cebuano OFW in Lebanon seek her repatriation

Relatives of a Cebuano OFW in Lebanon who is reportedly confined in a mental hospital there sought the help of the regional office of the Department of Foreign Affairs for her immediate repatriation.

A report over TV Patrol Cebu revealed that 36-year-old Anecita Sumalinog, a resident of Dapitan, Cordova town and mother of one, is currently confined in a mental hospital in Lebanon after she was found to have been suffering from mental disorder.

Romeo Sumalinog, the brother of Anecita, said he believes "the war between Lebanon and Israel has nothing to do with the ailment." He alleged that maltreatment committed by her Lebanese employer during the four months Anecita had served in the household could have triggered the mental stress.

"Nabalaka na gyud mi sa iyang kahimtang ilabi na nga gipahibawo mi nga nasu'd siya's mental hospital sa Lebanon. Hinuon, gipahibalo pud mi nga usa ka madre ang nagbantay niya karon didto," Romeo said.

It was learned that Glenda Manalo, the country's labor attaché in Lebanon, established contacts with Sumalinog's family in Cordova.

Anecita's common-law husband, Michael Canoy, already denied the report that Anecita is suffering a mental illness due to her problems with immediate family.

"Imposible kaayo nga may problema si Anecita sa iyang pamilya dinhi sa Sugbo," Canoy said.

The regional office relayed to DFA-Manila the request of Anecita's family for her immediate repatriation to Cebu.

DFA-7 director Angel Espiritu told Anecita's family they will be sending a representative to check her situation in Lebanon. - Ramil V. Ayuman