DMW owns up to switch of remains of 2 OFWs killed in Lebanon

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has taken responsibility after the bodies of two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) killed in Lebanon were mistakenly switched.

In Vonne Aquino’s report on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, the family of Rona Jean Gervoso in Sibalom, Antique was shocked to discover that the remains that arrived last Friday were not hers, but those of fellow OFW and fellow victim Honeylith Zamoras.

“I was having second thoughts. But the name Rona Jean Gervoso is right there on the box. They even put makeup on her, but the face is not my wife—this is a different person,” said Fausto Gervoso Jr., Rona Jean’s husband, in the vernacular.

Fausto immediately contacted Zamoras’ family, who then confirmed that the remains of their loved ones had been switched.

“My wife had two dentures. When they opened her mouth, they saw the dentures. That’s why Honeylith’s mother said it really was my wife. Of course, I was dismayed—we waited months for the body, only for a mix-up to happen,” he added.

Personnel from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 6 visited Rona Jean’s family and assured them her remains would be returned from Dipolog City soon.

“It may be because of the current conflict in Lebanon, so they were not properly checked and there was mislabeling upon shipping,” said OWWA Region 6’s James Mendiola.

The DMW has ordered labor attachés in Beirut and in the Philippines to investigate how the mix-up happened.

“Ito ay malubhang pagkakamali at I’m taking full responsibility. I’ve communicated with both families and assured them na isasagawa ito most likely either Wednesday or Thursday," said DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac.

(This is a grave mistake and I’m taking full responsibility. I’ve communicated with both families and assured them that this will be carried out most likely on Wednesday or Thursday.)

"Hindi pa ito ready na maipadala diretso; babalik muna sa Manila ang human remains ng dalawa at doon sila muling ihahanda at properly shipped,” he added.

(The remains are not yet ready for direct shipment; both will be returned to Manila and properly prepared before being sent out again.)

The DMW said the funeral parlor in Beirut may also have had a role in the incident, noting that families witnessed the identification and sealing of the caskets.

“Pero yung kahuli-hulihang stage ng pagbalot ng itim na plastik, which is unusual, at paglagay ng sticker doon sa dalawang caskets, ‘yun ang hindi malinaw kung nasaksihan pa o kung ginawa agad bago dinala sa airport in Beirut,” Cacdac said.

(But the final stage of wrapping in black plastic—which is unusual—and placing stickers on the two caskets is unclear: whether it was witnessed or done immediately before delivery to the Beirut airport.)

The DMW chief said he would personally visit the families of Rona Jean and Honeylith to apologize.

Filing of charges against those responsible has yet to proceed, but one suspect remains in custody, the DMW said.—Vince Angelo Ferreras/MCG, GMA News