A female Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) was reportedly found dead in the middle of the desert in Kuwait on Sunday evening, January 22.
The corpse of the victim identified as Jullebee Ranara, 35 years old, was burnt when it was discovered on Salami road, according to reports by Kuwait media outlets.
Authorities have arrested the alleged suspect who turned out to be the 17-year-old son of Jullebee's employer, Kuwait news reports also stated.
In an interview with DZRH Dos Por Dos on Tuesday, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan 'Toots' Ople said she had reached out and spoken to the kin of the slain OFW.
Ople said the family recounted that before Jullebee died, she complained that the son of her employer had been making violent acts against her.
"Malupit daw. Kumabaga, 'yung magulang, wala siyang problema. 'Yung isang anak na lalaki na parang tine-threaten siya. May time nga daw na may ice pick pa na hawak," she shared.
Ople said they are waiting for the official report on the incident from Kuwait police authorities to verify the reports that Jullebee was pregnant.
The DMW Secretary said the remains of Jullebee may be taken home within the month.
Ople assured that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of DMW, will provide assistance to the four children of Jullebee.
"Sabi nga namin hanggang kolehiyo niyan, sasagutin na ng OWWA. Kahit dun man lang makatulong kami. Alam namin hindi na mapapalitan ang dagok sa puso nila pero kung doon man lang, maka-alalay kami," she said.
The family will also receive death and burial benefits as well as mandatory insurance from OWWA, Ople added.
