Family of deceased OFW: Capitol helped in repatriation

CEBU, Philippines - The family of the overseas Filipino worker who died in Saudi Arabia confirmed that the Cebu provincial government extended help for the repatriation of her remains.

Norma Baron, aunt of the deceased Lotis Camocamo, together with other relatives went to the Capitol last week to air their dismay over being passed around by the concerned government agencies, which delayed the repatriation process.

She said they heaved a sigh of relief after the Capitol immediately acted on their plea and assured them further assistance.

She said they almost lose hope after getting cold treatment from government agencies.

“Ang una na ni-offer og tabang namo ang opisina sa gobernador kay si gobernador wala mamolitika. Ang iyang concern namo tawo mi nga naghilak sa iyang opisina.  Dili gani siya gusto na magpahimo mi’g tarpaulin para magpasalamat,” Baron said.

She also thanked the media who gave them the chance to air their woes.

The Capitol also earlier belied the allegation made by gubernatorial aspirant Winston Garcia that it refused to help in the repatriation of the remains of the OFW, saying the claim was “totally baseless.”

The Provincial Information Office reported that the Capitol, particularly the Office of the Governor, immediately acted on the concerns of Camocamo’s family and mobilized staff and resources from the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) to assist the family.

PSWDO fielded staff on the same day the family of Camocamo went to the Capitol to accompany them to the Department of Foreign Affairs-7 office to inquire all the necessary documents and expenses to bring home Camocamo’s body.

Camocamo’s recruitment agency (the name of the company is withheld pending their statement) also promised the family to shoulder the repatriation cost.

Meanwhile, Baron disclosed that a lot of politicians are now calling and offering them help.

“Daghan na ang nanawag, daghan na’ng nisakay, ngano mana’ng mga politiko sige na man og tawag. Ngano kaniadto wala man,” she said.

Camocamo died on October 29 last year, but her death was known by her family only on December 27.

The family earlier relayed to the media that Camocamo reportedly died after falling off from the third floor of her employer’s house. But they said the autopsy showed several blows to Camocamo’s chest, face and head.  (FREEMAN)