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Pinoy Abroad

OFW with amnesia repatriated from China


An OFW in China suffering from amnesia was repatriated to the Philippines, but coming home remains complicated as he is unable to recall details that would help officials locate his family

According to JP Soriano's 24 Oras report on Thursday, the man identified as Richard Soriano Reyes was taken straight to the Las Piñas General Hospital after arriving in the Philippines on March 29, 2019.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Reyes suffered a stroke and a brain hemorrhage in 2017 and lost his memory after undergoing surgery and examinations.

Authorities and experts were still struggling to pinpoint his family as he was not able to recall their names.

He even had a tattoo on his arm that said "Amanda" but he was not able to recall whom it referred to.

"Very hazy yung kanyang background kung may asawa kung may anak yung pamilya dito sa Pilipinas, parang wala siyang masyadong ties, parang pinalaki siya ng lola niya" Olivia Palala, Senior Special Assistant of the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) said.

When interviewed by GMA News, Reyes said he had worked as a "DJ" in China for a long time.

He seemed to remember that he had a child but was unable to recall his name.

He also responded positively when asked if he lived somewhere in Marikina at a certain Barangay Concepcion.

The man seemed upset as he was answering questions.

"Naiintindihan niya kung ano 'yung sinasabi natin pero hindi niya ma-express, kaya nakikita natin yung frustration niya na gusto niyang magsalita pero hindi niya masabi sa atin eh," physician Lilibeth Ibarrientos explained.

The public is encouraged to forward any helpful information that would help locate the OFW's friends and family to Las Piñas General Hospital where he is set to undergo therapy and rehabilitation.

"Sana, nananawagan kami through GMA, na makita o makilala siya ng mga kamag-anak niya," Rodrigo Hao of the Las Piñas General Hospital said. —Margaret Claire Layug/LDF, GMA News

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