OWWA to extend aid to La Puebla family

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Despite being an undocumented overseas worker, Jane Parangan-La Puebla may still get government assistance for her family.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for Cagayan Valley said over the weekend that they would extend financial assistance to the family of La Puebla, despite her status as an undocumented overseas worker in Singapore.

Robert Bassig, OWWA regional director, said that the government, through their office, would grant financial aid to somehow alleviate the economic plight of the family, especially in consideration for her nine-year-old son.  

However, Bassig stressed that what the family of La Puebla would be receiving is purely for ‘humanitarian considerations’ as she is not entitled to any financial and social benefits unlike those registered overseas Filipino workers and their families who enjoy full government assistance and protection.

Bassig added that the government could not also compel La Puebla’s employer in Singapore to extend compensations since the slain Filipina did not possess legal documents in her work as a domestic helper.

La Puebla reportedly went to Singapore using a tourist visa. She extended her stay there until her gruesome killing last Sept. 7, allegedly at the hands of fellow Filipina maid, Guen Aguilar, a native of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur.

La Puebla’s remains, which arrived here last Sept. 26, was buried last Sept. 29 in Barangay Tuao, Bagabag.

Her case, the OWWA said, should serve as a lesson to Filipinos working overseas to obtain legal documents before accepting an overseas job.