OFW in Saudi Arabia unable to go home after husband's death amid lockdown

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) was unable to go home to her three daughters after her husband suddenly passed away amid the community quarantine.

In an episode of "Juan Love," Emalyn Dequino narrated how her family struggled to grieve the loss of her spouse, Stephen Mesa, who died of cardiac arrest.

Stephen worked as a truck helper in Tondo, Manila, while their three children are in Masbate. Emalyn herself is a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia.

"Halos araw-araw po hindi na tumitigil 'yung asawa ko sa kaka-video call tapos nakakausap namin lagi 'yung mga anak namin," she said.

The night before Stephen's death, the family was able to talk via video call one last time. They even took a screenshot photo together.

"Wala siyang naramdaman, wala siyang sinabi. Wala man lang paalam na mawawala na pala siya," Emalyn said.

Her three daughters could not believe their father, who made them laugh and smile with his silly videos, was gone.

"Mami-miss ko po iyong pag-Tiktok ni Papa. Iyong masayang-masaya siya," said 10-year-old Stephanie, their eldest child. "Sana personal kong nakita si Papa. Kaso hindi puwede dahil lockdown."

Eight-year-old Shella Mae, meanwhile, only wished that they could have their mother by their side in this difficult time. 

"Lord, sana po mawala na po 'yung lockdown para makauwi na po si Mama. Gusto ko po kasing mayakap si Mama. Kahit si Mama na lang," she said.

Emalyn initially planned to fly back to the Philippines in March after resigning from her job, but her exit visa got delayed due to the pandemic.

After six months with no development, she decided to change employers and stay in Saudi to be able to support her children.

"Kahit alam ko na masakit, nilalabanan ko po kasi para mapakita ko po sa mga anak ko," she said. "Pinipilit ko na lang na tumawa kahit wala 'yung papa nila para lang hindi panghinaan ng loob 'yung mga anak ko."

"Hintay lang kayo diyan mga anak ko. May awa sa atin ang Diyos. Magkakasama-sama tayo ulit," she said. —MGP, GMA News