Sen. Imee Marcos and other government officials recently visited the family of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara and vowed to provide assistance to the victim’s family.
Ranara was allegedly raped and brutally killed by the 17-year-old son of her employer in Kuwait.
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Usec. Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Arnel Ignacio joined the senator in visiting the family of the 35-year-old Ranara who left behind four children.
The senator and labor officials told the bereaved family of Ranara that the government will give prompt attention to the murder to ensure that justice will be served.
Cacdac also said that aside from the welfare of the Ranara’s family, he was also tasked by Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople to closely monitor the case.
Ignacio also guaranteed that the OWWA will continuously provide assistance to Ranara’s family.
Sen.Christopher “Bong” Go meanwhile has urged the DMW in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other relevant offices to conduct a thorough investigation into killing. Go also urged the government to protect and guarantee the safety of every Filipino working abroad.
The burned body of Ranara was reportedly found in the desert in Kuwait this past weekend, according to local media.
The DMW and DFA are still waiting for an official report of the incident. Meanwhile, the son of Jullebee’s employer has already been arrested by Kuwaiti authorities, according to a statement from the DMW.
The DMW also suggested that, in light of the incident, the Philippines’ labor agreement with Kuwait be reviewed in order to better secure Filipinos working abroad in the Gulf state.
The recent incident has prompted some senators to raise important points about how to better protect overseas Filipino workers.
Meanwhile, Marcos warned fellow Filipinos to go slow on their plan to leave the country and work abroad following the proliferation of illegal recruiters offering fake jobs.
