No help from RP gov't to repatriate OFW's body - Migrante

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine authorities in Saudi Arabia have not yet extended assistance to the family of a deceased OFW whose body remains unclaimed at a morgue in Saudi Arabia, an overseas Filipino workers advocacy group claimed.

Migrante-Al Khobar chairman Rodelio de Leon said the family of Concepcion Baginat, 50, of Zamboanga, has complained of not getting help from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA). 

De Leon said Baginat's brother, Renato de Guzman, has been asking for help from the POLO-OWWA since September 2009 for the repatriation of her sister's remains, which until now is still at the King Faisal Morgue in Damman, eastern part of Saudi Arabia. 

Baginat, according to De Guzman, died of heart attack last Aug. 27, 2009. Baginat was a household helper in Saudi Arabia for five years and had only been home once, De Guzman told De Leon. 

"His brother informed us all the needed documentation such as special power of attorney (SPA), "No objection" Certificate (NOC) issued by her employer, and other related documents are now ready; what causes the delay is that the family don’t have enough money to pay for her remains and other belongings airfare going to the Philippines," De Leon added. 

Baginat's family will need around 8,000 Saudi riyals or almost P100,000 to get the body flown back to the Philippines.

"He (De Guzman) had talked to (Philippine) embassy staff that advised him to solicit from other OFWs until they reach the required amount for her remains’ repatriation, and was told to ask the assistance of POLO-OWWA in Al Khobar," De Leon said. - By Dennis Carcamo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)