Truth behind OFW's death in Korea sought

The family of an undocumented Cebuana overseas contract worker who died in South Korea last October 31 yesterday asked for help to determine the real cause of her death.

Maryjane Odango, 24, of barangay Lawaan 2, Talisay City, arrived in South Korea in 2002 as a singer of a band. But after her group disbanded, Maryjane worked as a factory worker in South Korea.

Her father Ernesto Odango told TV Patrol Cebu that the report they got was that Maryjane died after she fell off a high place where she worked. No other details were given to them, creating speculations that there was foul play in her death.

Maryjane was married to a Filipino in Korea who is also undocumented. They have a child.

Because Maryjane is an undocumented worker the Department of Foriegn Affairs has no record of her, but DFA-7 director Angel Espiritu said they will still help determine the real cause of her death by coordinating with their counterparts in South Korea.

"I advise sa lahat nga overseas worker dapit dumaan sila sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration para documented lahat," Espiritu also said.

Odango was the first grand prize champion of "Awitay sa Barangay" of DYAB in 2002. - Ramil V. Ayuman/BRP