Bodies of OFWs to arrive tomorrow

Exactly a week before her 44th birthday, Adelina Cunanan will return home to her family but inside a box.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday that the remains of Cunanan and her close friend, Rebecca Ruga are scheduled to arrive tomorrow from Israel.

Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tel Aviv is now working on the immediate repatriation of the remains of the two OFWs.

Sto. Tomas said labor officials in Israel are also coordinating with Israel’s National Insurance Institute to ensure the immediate release of all the benefits due the families of the victims.

At the moment, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is checking the records of Cunanan and Ruga to determine all the benefits to be provided their bereaved families. Aside from 50,000 insurance benefits, Labor Undersecretary Manuel Imson said OWWA will also extend airport and other necessary assistance upon arrival of the victims’ remains.

Cunanan and Ruga, 39 were among the nine people killed and 50 others injured in the latest suicide bombing attacks in Northern Israel. The two Filipina caregivers died on the spot.