MANILA – The death of 32-year-old Filipino nurse Reyna Jane Ancheta, who was found dead on a highway in Abu Dhabi after going missing for three days, has left her family and colleagues devastated.
The investigation into Ancheta’s mysterious passing is still ongoing, according to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac stated the government will sponsor the flight of Ancheta’s husband, Kenneth Paul, to the United Arab Emirates so he can personally observe the probe until her remains can be repatriated.
Ancheta leaves behind a 12-year-old son and a seven-year-old daughter. She was due to celebrate her 33rd birthday on December 11.
“I don’t have details as of now as we are also waiting. I don’t want to preempt the results of the UAE authorities,” Cacdac said during a news forum in Quezon City.
The DMW secretary added that the repatriation of Ancheta’s remains depends on the progress of the investigation. For now, the Philippine government’s priority is to bring her husband to the UAE so he can witness the investigative process and her eventual homecoming.
In an earlier interview with GMA News, Kenneth Paul said he lost contact with his wife on October 6th. He was later informed by her employer that she had died in a car accident. However, Kenneth fears a cover-up, recalling his wife’s concerns about feeling scared when returning to her dormitory at night.
Reyna Ancheta arrived in Abu Dhabi in August and started working at Al Raiaa Home Health Care. She was previously employed in Saudi Arabia.
“She was able to finish her shift from morning until afternoon on Saturday (Oct. 5), but that was our last contact with her,” the home care’s Human Resources department said. “She was supposed to be on duty on Sunday (Oct. 6) but when we tried calling her, she wasn’t picking up. We reached out to her accommodation, friends, but we couldn’t get hold of her.”
Ronald Gamiao, president of the Filipino Nurses Association in Emirates, expressed sorrow over the loss of their “fellow nurse in Abu Dhabi.” He said their Migrant Workers Office in Abu Dhabi is handling the matter and coordinating with the Philippine government.
As the investigation continues, Ancheta’s family and the Filipino community await answers and the safe return of her remains. This tragic loss has shaken all who knew and loved the young nurse, whose life was cut short far too soon.
