2 OFWs killed in Lebanon after being held hostage by employer

Two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were killed in a shooting incident involving their employer in Beirut, Lebanon, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Tuesday.

The DMW said the victims were both household service workers employed at the same residence. They were fatally shot during a hostage incident on April 15.

Authorities have arrested the employer, who is now under police custody pending the filing of formal charges.

The DMW said it is coordinating with the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon and local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and proper legal action.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac has directed officials to extend assistance to the victims’ families.

DMW Undersecretaries Bernard Olalia and Felicitas Bay are set to personally visit the families to convey condolences and assure them of government support.

The agency said assistance will include repatriation arrangements and access to benefits for the families of the victims.

The Philippine government also reiterated its commitment to pursuing justice for the slain workers. —VAL, GMA News