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Pinoy Abroad

Sick OFW pleading for help in viral video dies


An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia who is seen pleading for help in a viral video has died, according to Oscar Oida's report on Unang Balita on Friday.

The OFW identified himself in the video as Marcelo Tanyag.

"Pinipilit ko na lang po mag-record kahit hirap na hirap na ako. Sa totoo lang, ilang araw na akong humihingi ng tulong," a visibly unwell Tanyag said in the video.

In between coughing fits, Tanyag said he is feeling weak and does not know what to do anymore.

Tanyag said he started feeling sick on May 23. Although he was brought to a clinic, he was also sent back to their villa afterward.

"Sinabi sa akin na dadalhin na ako sa ospital pero ilang beses na naman akong binalik dito. Sa huli, dito rin ako ikinulong at quinarantine," he said.

It was not clear if Tanyag, who has five children, was afflicted with COVID-19.

The video was recorded on May 31 and was posted by one of Tanyag's friends on the internet.

Tanyag's younger sister, Marjorie, said her brother looked old in the video.

"48 lang ho kuya ko. Nung huli naming picture sa kaniya ang saya-saya niya, mataba, masaya na malakas," she said.

"Sa loob lang ng ilang araw talagang bumagsak yung hitsura niya," Marjorie added.

She said the last time they called her brother on the phone they heard him screaming and people talking in a foreign language in the background.

"Hindi ho namin alam kung Arabo o Indian yung nasa background," she said.

Later that day, Marjorie said they learned from Tanyag's boss that he has passed away. She said no other details were given, although they were told that coordination is already being done with the Philippine Embassy for the repatriation of the remains. --KBK, GMA News

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