DFA orders embassy in Spain to probe death of fourth OFW

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed yesterday the death of another Filipino overseas worker, this time in Spain.

This developed as Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo directed the Philippine Embassy in Madrid to send a consular team to monitor the police investigation into the murder of Ivy Collantes Bautista.

Reports reaching the DFA said Bautista was found dead by her employer insider her room in Santander last Sept. 27.

Reports said Bautista was found with a knife buried in her neck while a set of house keys was left dangling in the inside lock of the front door.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Jose Brillantes has informed Bautista’s husband, Crisanto and relatives of Bautista’s death.

The family was also informed of moves by the DFA to send a consular team to Spain to communicate on the progress of the police investigation.

Sen. Manuel Villar Jr., on the other hand, said the recent developments were alarming, considering that four overseas Filipino workers have died in less than a month.

While two of the incidents reportedly involved fellow OFWs as suspects in the deaths, Villar said that it would be prudent to delve into other factors such as the mental and psychological capacity of the OFWs.

Villar pointed out the physical and mental hardships endured by OFWs who are far away from their loved ones over long periods of time.

Bautista’s death followed that of Jane La Puebla, a domestic helper in Singapore who was murdered earlier this month.

Her friend and fellow Filipina domestic helper Guen Aguilar was tagged as the primary suspect in the murder.

In United Arab Emirates, Mary Ann Wong was stabbed to death and another Filipino worker, Mario Parangalan, was tagged as the suspect.

A third Filipina, Aline Arguelles reportedly fell from the window of the high-rise apartment of her employer in Singapore last Saturday.

Villar said there is reason to be concerned even though the deaths of the four in less than a month may just be coincidence.

"But such incidents should not be taken lightly. I don’t want to sound like an alarmist but such string of incidents that involves our OFWs may be a symptom or a warning sign for something else," he said.

He said that the reported involvement of Filipinos in the murders should prompt overseas workers welfare groups to actively promote psychological and spiritual counseling for OFWs.

Villar suggested the deployment of more volunteers or missions in countries where there are many OFWs in order to provide the necessary attention to their needs.

"We should understand that being an OFW is hard and some may not be mentally or psychologically fit to work and live far away from their loved ones," Villar said.

"Such conditions may trigger mental anguish, desperation and frustration which can lead to anger and other negative emotions," he added.

Villar stressed the need for the review of the process of legalizing undocumented OFWs to enable families of distressed or deceased OFWs to receive benefits and legal and financial assistance.

Under the present rules, undocumented OFWs are not entitled to any benefits at all. — Pia Lee-Brago, Marvin Sy