The family of Jenny Alvarado, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who reportedly died of coal suffocation in Kuwait, raised concerns about the circumstances of her death, alleging foul play by her employer.
During a Senate Migrant Workers Committee hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to thoroughly investigate the incident.
“Imbestigahan natin DMW and OWWA and DFA ‘yung anggulong foul play,” Tulfo urged. He cited testimonies from Alvarado’s daughters, Nathania and Angel, who attended the hearing.
Angel expressed disbelief that her mother, who had a highly sensitive sense of smell, could have been overcome by the smoke. “Imposible na hindi nagising ang mama namin that time,” she said, adding that her mother disliked the smell of charcoal.
The daughters also shared alarming claims, including reports that their mother was confined to her room, threatened with withheld wages if she didn’t return to Kuwait, and subjected to harassment by her employer. “Sinasabi daw po na ‘yung amo niya ay hinihipuan siya,” Nathania revealed.
Following their testimony, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega confirmed that the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait was directed to investigate the case for potential negligence or foul play. “We will check with the police authorities for the possibility of negligence or foul play,” he stated.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured the committee that the children’s statements would be used to file charges against the employer in Kuwait. “May isusulong po tayong kaso laban sa employer,” Cacdac said.
