The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said on Thursday that it will be awarding a hero's welcome to the Saudi-based Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), who was reportedly murdered.
In a press conference on Thursday, OWWA chief Arnel Ignacio said that they will be granting a hero's welcome to the 32-year-old victim, Marjorette Garcia, as she has embodied good character as an OFW.
"Kagabi kausap po natin yung mother saka yung kanyang asawa at yung mensahe na iniwan namin sa kanya sabi namin si Marjorette ay uuwi na may heros welcome," Ignacio said.
"Bagamat napakasakit ng nangyari, ngayon lang po kami nakatagpo ng genuine na bagong bayani sapagkat si Marjorette ay wala po siyang request for assistance, napaganda ng kaniyang implikasyon sa kanyang employer," he added.
Ignacio said OWWA had a talk with Garcia's employer, and they were in mourning.
OWWA is yet to determine the date of the hero's welcome.
On Monday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the death of Garcia and is conducting a probe into the incident.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Asec. Paul Cortes said the following day that the suspect behind the murder was arrested.
Senator Risa Hontiveros then filed a resolution on Tuesday urging a Senate committee to investigate the death of Garcia.
According to the DMW, there were over 24,000 cases of abuse and violation against OFWs in 2022, which shows a significant rise from 6,500 in 2016.
