MANILA — The Philippine government pledged Thursday to pursue justice for an overseas Filipino worker found dead in Kuwait, signaling renewed scrutiny of worker protections abroad.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac told reporters that Kuwaiti authorities have detained a prime suspect with a prior criminal record, following the December 28 discovery of the worker’s body.
The victim, who had been working in Kuwait for five years and recently changed employers, lost contact with her family in October. Her sudden disappearance went unnoticed until authorities uncovered her remains.
“Our immediate priority is ensuring a thorough prosecution and delivering justice to the victim’s family,” Cacdac emphasized.
The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of approximately 200,000 Filipino workers in Kuwait, prompting government officials to announce immediate policy reviews.
The Department of Migrant Workers is implementing stricter deployment protocols, including enhanced monitoring of recruitment practices and mandatory previous work experience requirements for overseas deployment.
Representative Ron Salo highlighted the ongoing challenges of illegal employment transfers, calling for comprehensive reforms to protect vulnerable workers.
Cacdac assured the public that the government would provide financial assistance for the victim’s burial and continues to coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to support the investigation.
This tragic case underscores the persistent challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers and the critical need for robust protective mechanisms.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the worker’s death.