DMW studying if employer of OFW found dead in Kuwait liable

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is studying if the employer of deceased overseas Filipino worker Jenny Alvarado has liability over her death under Kuwaiti law.

“Pinasusuri na natin sa Kuwaiti lawyer natin on the ground with the view to taking legal action kapag ang findings under Kuwaiti law ay may liability ang employer,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac told Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel Friday. 

(We instructed our Kuwaiti lawyer to look into this with the view to taking legal action if the employer could be held liable under the Kuwaiti law.)

“Pinag-aaralan natin nang maigi ito (We’re studying this thoroughly)) and in due time we will take necessary actions,” he said.

The remains of Alvarado arrived in the Philippines on Thursday evening, almost a week after the bereaved family received a wrong cadaver. Cacdac said he apologized for the mix-up of the bodies and said the DMW is looking into the legal actions for the mistake. 

NBI autopsy

Cacdac also said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an autopsy on Alvarado’s remains at around 11 a.m. on Friday after Philippine authorities discovered their counterparts in Kuwait did not autopsy the body. 

The findings may be released within the day or by Saturday, he said. 

“It can be unfortunate na hindi na-autopsy but on my part, okay lang. Kasi at least 'yung autopsy sa atin is on an intact body…For my part, I think nothing is lost kung hindi na autopsy dun dahil dito the NBI had the first-hand chance to view the body,” Cacdac added. 

(It can be unfortunate that the body was not autopsied but it was okay. At least it was an intact body. For my part, I think nothing is lost because the NBI had the first-hand chance to view the body.)

Meanwhile, Cacdac said they are studying the effectiveness of the restrictions being implemented before recommending another measure.

“We’re studying the matter. One of the things we were looking at was the efficacy nung apat na restrictions: ‘yung di pwede ang first-timers, whitelisting of agencies, pre-departure briefings and monitoring side,” he said. 

“We’re closely looking into those and whether or not sufficient ba o kailangan dagdagan pa o higpitan pa,” said Cacdac. 

(“We’re closely looking into those and whether or not these are already sufficient  or if we need to add or strengthen our existing measures.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News