ILOILO CITY -- Several bikers will hold a ride-for-a cause on Sunday, March 25, as a way to continuously call for justice for slain migrant worker Joanna Daniela Demafelis who was found inside a freezer in an abandoned apartment in Kuwait last February.
Febe “Bords” Morales, organizer of the activity, said the event is to remind the public about the ongoing quest of the victim’s family for justice.
At least 200 bikers belonging to Barbarian Cycling Club, Santa Barbara Trail Seekers, Roadbikers, and Team Bolong, all based in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.
Other bikers clubs joining include Northern Iloilo Mountain Bikers Association, Solid North Pathfinders Bikers Club, Leganes Bikers Club, among others.
Morales said that they have observed that it seems that the issue on giving justice to the slain OFW has died down.
“This is our way to at least continue the call for the government and President (Rodrigo Duterte) of the need to give justice to Joanna,” he said.
The bikers will have their assembly area at Santa Barbara Plaza at 4 a.m. Morales said that Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. already committed to provide two dump trucks that will transport the participating bikers from Santa Barbara to Barotac Viejo where the ride will start.
The ride will start at 8 a.m. from Barotac Viejo town going to Sara town, the hometown of Joanna.
The bikers will put small tarpaulins in front of their bikes to raise public awareness.
A short program will then be conducted upon arriving at Sara to discuss their cause.
The program is expected to be joined by Sara, Iloilo Mayor Ermelita Salcedo and Demafiles family.
Prior to the burial of 29-year-old slain OFW Joanna Daniela last March 3, her Lebanese employer Nadel Essaf Assaf was arrested on the same day Duterte visited Joanna’s wake last February 22.
Assaf's Syrian wife Mona Hassoun was also arrested a few days after. The couple are the primary suspects in Joanna's death.
Last March 1, the alleged recruiter of Joanna has formally surrendered to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (PNA)