Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Speak out: Investigating the death of an OFW By Rep. Luz C. Ilagan
THE Gabriela Women’s Party representatives seek justice for Eugenia Baja, the overseas Filipino worker who died of a mysterious cause in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 24 and whose body has just recently been repatriated.
The unknown nature of her death warrants an investigation. The government must cooperate with the proper authorities to know the real cause of her death.
According to Migrante International, Baja’s family was informed on March 3 that the OFW died of an illness in a hospital in the Middle Eastern country. A second report from the Department of Foreign Affairs, however, stated that she committed suicide.
One month before her death, Baja’s family received a text message from her asking for help.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Authority should also investigate the anomalous nature of Baja’s recruitment. She signed a contract with a US-based company to work as a patient server in Saudi Arabia but was employed as a domestic helper. Her family also mentioned that she complained about not being given her salary.
Our OFWs are not given enough protection by the government despite their help in keeping our economy afloat. It is alarming how many of our so-called heroes fall victim to illegal recruitment, illegal detention and exploitation in other countries.
