Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged the House of Representatives to investigate the death of the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Dafnie Nacalaban in Kuwait.
On Monday, the lawmaker filed Resolution No. 2151, calling on the House committees to conduct an investigation into the OFW’s death. Under the resolution, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are also directed to investigate in aid of legislation.
The DFA revealed last month that the remains of the 35-year-old OFW were found buried in the gardener’s yard of her employer’s home in Saad Al-Abdullah, Jahra, Kuwait. According to reports, Nacalaban has been employed as a household service worker in Kuwait since the end of 2019.
She was reported missing by her second employer last October.
“Ms. Nacalaban's tragic passing is a grim reminder to all of us of the many dangers our OFWs face, especially those in vulnerable circumstances like our domestic workers,” Rodriguez highlighted.
The lawmaker said that he had spoken with DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac to request the agency’s full and immediate assistance on the case.
Additionally, Cacdac said that he personally visited Nacalaban’s common-law husband and daughter last Saturday. The DMW Secretary also noted that he conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos’ directive for full assistance and support to be given to the deceased OFW’s family.
The DMW’s hired lawyers are “in close coordination with Kuwaiti authorities to monitor the release of police investigation results, until the prosecution, trial, and delivery of justice for Dafnie and their family”.
Rodriguez expressed his condolences to the OFW’s family and assured them of his commitment to seek justice for the latter.
“This is not an isolated incident; it is crucial that we strengthen the systems in place designed to protect and promote the safety and welfare of our OFWs, who sacrifice so much for their families and our country,” the lawmaker said.
