An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Kuwait, identified as Jenny Alvarado, has allegedly died from suffocation due to coal smoke inhalation. However, her family, who had been eagerly waiting for her return, was shocked to discover that the remains they received were not hers.
In an interview during Dos Por Dos on Wednesday, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac explained that he had already apologized to Alvarado's family and discussed the incident with them.
Cacdac noted that Alvarado was reportedly at a vacation house belonging to her employer, along with coworkers of various nationalities, when the tragic incident occurred. The DMW is currently investigating the actual cause of Alvarado's death and how the service provider made a mistake in her repatriation.
Instead of Alvarado, it was allegedly the remains of a Nepali workmate that were sent back to the Philippines, as informed by the service provider.
"Sa ngayon hindi pa kasi kumpleto ang detalye, pero ang paliwanag so far is yung service provider, kasi nagbigay rin ako ng direktiba na madaliin ang pag-uwi," Cacdac said.
"Service provider tinanggap yung labi doon sa Criminal Investigation Division ng Kuwaiti side at may identification doon, so lumalabas na mali sa pagtukoy ng labi at pangalawa 'yung pagship na hindi natukoy ng maigi. Hindi nakita ng maigi ang labi lalo na sa side natin," he added.
Cacdac assured Alvarado's family that the DMW would thoroughly investigate what happened and that legal liabilities may be imposed if necessary.
When asked whether Alvarado's remains were still in Kuwait, Cacdac confirmed that he had shown a picture of Alvarado's remains to her family for verification.
Alvarado's remains are expected to be returned to the Philippines this Thursday.
The DMW also assured the family that the service provider would cover any costs incurred during this process, relieving them of any financial burden.
As of last night, the remains of the Nepali individual have been sent back to Kuwait.
The autopsy results for Alvarado are yet to be released to determine the actual cause of her death, amid allegations of foul play.
"Kung hindi man in bad fatith or evil intent ay posibleng negligence o hindi pagtanaw sa kalagayan ni Jenny at ng mga kasamahan niya," said Cacdac.
