Families of two OFWs who died in Dubai flood seek clarification

Families of two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died in the massive flooding in Dubai are seeking clarification on the circumstances surrounding the deaths. 

Jennie Gamboa and Marjorie Ancheta from Pampanga and Cagayan reportedly suffocated inside the shuttle service they were riding when the floods hit.

But their families are not convinced.

The Gamboa family from Barangay San Antonio, Bacolor, Pampanga questioned why the others who died in the shuttle have no visible injuries.

“Ayaw kong maniwala, kasi yung dalawang kasama niya [at] driver walang pasa sa kanilang katawan, [pero] bakit sila namatay?” Alejandrino Gamboa, Jennie’s father, said.

“May doubt po kami na may foul play po talaga sa nangyari. Sana matulungan niyo po kami if may foul play or suffocation po talaga ang nangyari sa loob ng van,” Jonalie Gamboa-Lejat, Jennie’s sister, said.

The Ancheta family from Barangay Masical, Amulung, Cagayan shares the same sentiment. 

“Noong una, sabi nila nakuryente, tapos sabi naman ng asawa ko, kung nakuryente [dapat] lahat sila na nakasakay dun — lahat sila — namatay. Kasi sabi nila sa amin, may dalawang naka-survive, ‘yung driver at saka ‘yung staff yata ng school,” Maricris Ancheta, Marjorie’s mother, said.

The Ancheta family has coordinated with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for assistance.

They sought for government assistance to clarify what really happened, as there are conflicting reports about the cause of death.

“Sana po matulungan nila kami, [at] maliwanagan lang po ‘yung talagang nangyari, kasi iba-iba kasi ‘yung naririnig na [cause of death] na-suffocate daw sila,” Maricris said.

They also appealed for the swift repatriation of Marjorie's remains. —GMA Regional TV