Body of OFW slain in Doha blast arrives in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - The remains of one of two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who died in a gas tank explosion at a Turkish restaurant in Doha, Qatar arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 yesterday afternoon.

Charlie de Castro’s body was immediately brought to the Pair Cargo warehouse for processing. His brother, Jerry, and cousins worked with Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) personnel to bring his remains to Batangas City for burial.

De Castro, 29, and Romar Fahudilao, another OFW, were among 12 persons who died in the explosion on Feb. 27. Two other Filipinos were hurt in the blast.

Only De Castro, who was an active OWWA member prior to the accident, would be entitled to receive benefits from the agency, OWWA chief Carmelita Dimzon said.

De Castro worked as a merchandiser at the Family Food Center, which is beside the Turkish restaurant where the gas tank explosion occurred.

Dimzon said upon the orders of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, OWWA will immediately turn over benefits due De Castro’s family, including education and livelihood assistance.  – Mayen Jaymalin, Rudy Santos