PHL to seek justice for Pinay found dead in Hong Kong

(UPDATED 6:30 p.m.) - Malacañang Palace on Saturday reassured the relatives of the Filipina domestic helper found dead in Hong Kong earlier this month that it will seek justice for the victim by getting to the bottom of the case. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Philippine authorities are coordinating with investigators in determining the cause of the death of the victim, Rowena Gomez, 34, who was found floating off the coast of Shau Kei Wan, a town in Hong Kong, on February 5. “Gumagalaw ang ating embahada [sa kasong] iyan at nakikipag-usap sila sa... I hhink they’re trying to get in touch with family and cooperating with authorities," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio on Saturday. However, Valte did not provide other details about the case, including the schedule of return of the victim's remains. A report on “Balitanghali” quoted Gomez’s mother Lucia as saying Rowena had been working for five years there. The report said Rowena allegedly called and sent a text message to her relatives in the Philippines last January, saying that she felt she was in danger. Meanwhile, a report of the Hong Kong-based news site The Sun said Hong Kong's Police Public Relations Branch said the initial inquiries indicated that there was no foul play in her death. The police classified the Filipina's case as "dead body found," The Sun reported. An autopsy has been conducted to determine the cause of death. The Sun said records of the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA) office at the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong showed that the victim was from Antipolo. Based on her employment record, she arrived in Hong Kong in 2005, and worked for the same employer for four years. She later transferred to another employer, for whom she was believed to be still working for at the time of her death, the report said. Welfare officer Aurea Estrada said: "Repatriation will take a while because of the process involved, including getting the result of the autopsy examination." Apeal to register with POEA Meanwhile, Malacañang reiterated the government’s appeal to prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to register with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and with authorities abroad. Valte said this would help protect OFWs from illegal recruitment agencies, and would help the embassy locate them in case of an emergency. “Kung sakali nagkaroon ng insidente mas mabilis sila maabot ng embahada. Malaking bagay (dahil) una legal ang pagpunta sa ibang bansa at pangalawa mas madaling maabutan kayo ng tulong... pag alam ng embahada nasaan kayo. Sana daanan natin ang prosesong ito dahil ito ay sa inyong proteksyon," she said. — LBG/VVP, GMA News