DMW confirms killing of Pinay OFW in Saudi

MANILA, Philippines — As President Marcos prepares to visit Saudi Arabia this month, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed yesterday the killing of Filipina worker Marjorette Garcia.

Garcia, who was deployed as a domestic worker in 2021, was found with stab wounds over the weekend.

Saudi authorities, though, are still continuing with their investigation to determine the circumstances behind her death.

“We assure them (Garcia family) of our continuing support during their time of grief and in the ongoing investigation,” the DMW said in a statement.

It added that the Migrant Workers Office in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration are “coordinating the arrangements and with Marjorette’s family for the return of her remains at the soonest possible time.”

Both agencies are also working with the Philippine embassy and the Saudi police on the investigation.

The DMW also “extended its deepest condolences” to the family and loved ones of Garcia.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual previously reported that Marcos is set to visit this month the kingdom where over a million Filipinos are currently working.

Late last year, Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed to shoulder the P1-billion wage claims of Filipino workers during a bilateral meeting with President Marcos on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Thailand.

To date, over 10,000 construction workers allegedly have yet to receive their monetary claims.