Filtered By: Pinoyabroad
Pinoy Abroad

OFW allegedly abused by employer dies in Kuwait 


A Filipina household service worker allegedly abused by her employer in Kuwait died in a hospital on January 25, the day of the execution of another OFW sentenced to die in the host country for a crime she had not admitted.

Labor Secretary Silvester Bello III was quoted on Tuesday as saying that the Filipina household help died at a hospital at 10 p.m. on January 25 after she was allegedly beaten by her employer.

Bello directed labor attache in Kuwait Angelita Narvaez to closely monitor the case of Amy Capulong Santiago, according to a news release last Tuesday from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Santiago was brought to the Farwaniya Hospital at around 10 p.m. on January 25. She was pronounced dead on arrival.

Earlier on January 25, Pinay household helper Jakatia Pawa was executed for the murder of her employer's 22-year-old daughter in 2007.

Kuwait's Court of Cassation affirmed the death sentence in 2010 and set the date for her execution in 2017. 

Old and new bruises

Records of the Abdullah Al Mubarak Police Directorate General of Criminal Evidence showed old and fresh bruises on Santiago’s body, mostly on the back, the Assistance to Nationals Unit of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait reported.

Santiago’s remains were referred to the Forensic Department on January 26 for further investigation to determine the cause of her death.

Authorities have already arrested the male employer. His wife, meanwhile, surrendered at the Abdullah Al Mubarak Police Station.

Both are now detained and being investigated by the Kuwaiti police to check if there was a foul play in Santiago’s death.

Bello expressed his condolences to Santiago’s family in Concepcion, Tarlac and assured them of assistance.

“I am truly disheartened that such tragedies happen. I assure the family of Santiago that we will provide all the necessary assistance they need." 

The Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kuwait will provide legal assistance to the family so that justice may be served, Bello added.

Bello also directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to ensure that Santiago's family will be given necessary assistance.

Benefits Santiago's family may get include the P200,000 death insurance and burial assistance of P20,000. Her dependents will also receive educational benefits and livelihood assistance.

Moreover, the family has been informed that the repatriation expenses for the Santiago's remains will be shouldered by the OWWA.  — Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT