Two Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) were confirmed to have died after they were allegedly shot by their employer in Beirut, Lebanon.
The incident happened on April 15, 2026 and one of those killed is from Antique.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it is yet to confirm reports that a hostage taking took place. It is also yet to determine the motive behind the killing, as of this writing.
The agency said it plans to have the remains of the two OFWs autopsied.
“Sa ating initial report, it’s the employer. Again, we await the initial report kung ‘yung employer ba o anak nito,” said DMW Undersecretary, Atty. Felicitas Bay.
DMW said the suspect in the shooting has been arrested. The agency said it is coordinating with authorities in Lebanon so that charges will be filed against the suspect.
ANTIQUE RESIDENT
One of the two, 49-year-old Rona Jean Gervoso, was from Sibalom, Antique.
In an interview with GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas, Gervoso’s husband, Fausto, said he spoke to his wife last on April 13, 2026.
They started worrying when they could no longer reach her by evening the day after.
Fausto said his wife was comfortable of her employment.
“Kampante naman siya sa bahay na ‘yun dahil mabait naman ang amo niya. Pero ‘yung kapatid ng anak niya (amo), di ko alam. Pero ‘yung isang kapatid, mabait daw ‘yun,” Fausto said.
Gervoso left the Philippines for Lebanon in 2012. The last time she returned home was in 2021.
Her family is now seeking justice.
“Kaya nga siya pumunta (sa abroad) para makaahon (sa hirap) at makapatapos ng anak namin ng pag-aaral. Gaya nito, dati kawayan, pinatayo niya,” Fausto said.
Gervoso’s mother, Adela Elio, said she might just ask her other child in Lebanon to go back to the Philippines.
“Hindi na nahihinto ang luha ko. Wala na ang anak ko. Hindi na siya makauwi dito. Pagdating niay, bangkay na. Hindi na niya makikita ang bahay na ipinatayo niay para sa amin,” she said.
On April 22, representatives of DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and provincial and municipal governments visited Gervoso’s family to extend assistance.
“Huwag mag-alala ang pamilya sapagkat meron tayong legal counsel or legal retainer who will attend to this matter,” Bay said.
