Probe of OFW's death in Hong Kong sought

HONG KONG — The Philippine consulate here yesterday called for an investigation into the death of a Filipina domestic worker who was found dead last Feb. 5.

The body of Rowena Gloria Gomez, 34, was found floating off the coast of Shau Kei Wan town.

Officials of the consulate and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, accompanied by a representative of the Hong Kong police, identified Gomez’s remains at the Victoria Public Mortuary in Kennedy town last Monday.

In a statement, the consulate said a forensic pathologist of the Coroner’s Court conducted an autopsy on Gomez’s remains last Feb. 8.

“The findings of the autopsy will establish the cause of death of Ms. Gomez. Should the Coroner’s Court require further investigation, a court hearing called a death inquest may be ordered,” the statement said.

The Hong Kong police have yet to release any official statement pending the result of its investigation.

“The Philippine Consulate General is calling on persons in or outside Hong Kong who may have some knowledge about Ms. Gomez to approach its offices and share any information that may prove to be valuable to the case,” the consulate said.

“The Philippine Consulate General continues to update the next of kin of the deceased on the progress of the local investigations and is working closely with their authorized representatives in Hong Kong to secure all documents necessary to expedite the repatriation process,” it added.

Gomez’s employer, whom she had worked for since July last year, said the OFW left their house last Jan. 25.

Gomez worked in the former British colony for almost five years.