Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac personally visited the family of Gerome Zarate De Castro in Capas, Tarlac on November 5, 2025, to convey the government’s condolences and reaffirm the continued support for the bereaved family of the overseas Filipino worker who died in Cyprus.
During the visit, Secretary Cacdac assured the family that the DMW, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), will continue to extend comprehensive assistance—including financial aid, educational support for Gerome’s children, livelihood assistance, and help in processing his insurance and other benefits. The agency also committed to providing legal assistance to ensure that the real cause of De Castro’s death is established and that justice is pursued.
“Bukod sa tulong pinansiyal, patuloy ang suporta ng kagawaran at ng OWWA, kabilang na ang suporta sa pag-aaral ng mga anak ng OFW hanggang sa makatapos ng pag-aaral, livelihood assistance, ang maagap na pagproseso at paglabas ng nararapat na insurance benefits, at ang kinakailangang legal assistance,” Cacdac said.
The DMW is also in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) regarding the final autopsy results and developments in the ongoing investigation in Cyprus.
Secretary Cacdac was joined by Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, Region 3 DMW and OWWA Director Marion Sevilla, Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director Winnie Freda Palma, Redina Manlapaz, and several staff from both the DMW central and regional offices.
De Castro, a 31-year-old casino dealer in City of Dreams Cyprus, was found dead on September 28, 2025, under circumstances that led authorities abroad to treat his case as possible premeditated murder. His remains were repatriated to the Philippines on October 29, with OWWA and DMW facilitating the process and providing immediate aid to his family.
