Government officials and representatives from the insurance provider gathered at the DMW Regional Office in Pampanga on November 18, 2025, to formally release the insurance proceeds to the family of Gerome Zarate De Castro, the Filipino worker who died in Cyprus under circumstances still being investigated.
The claim was handed to De Castro’s children—through their mother—and to his father during a brief ceremony attended by Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi and Region 3 Director Atty. Marion S. Sevilla. The two officials emphasized that the Department of Migrant Workers is committed to ensuring that the family receives the support they are entitled to.
Shamaica Aguirre, who heads the team managing claims for Gerome’s insurance company, led the turnover event. She was joined by Assistant Director Winnie Frida Palma, OWWA representative Pilipina C. Dina, and other personnel from the regional and central offices.
The family thanked both DMW and OWWA for the continuous assistance provided since the repatriation of De Castro’s remains. Despite their gratitude, they acknowledged the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his death. The OFW’s wife stated, “We are very grateful for all the assistance given by the government, but we still look forward to the result of the case, the ultimate reason for his death.”
Just days earlier, DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac met with the grieving family and assured them that the department would expedite all insurance-related processes. The swift release of the proceeds follows that commitment.
Assistant Secretary Legaspi highlighted the urgency placed on the case after the Secretary’s directive. “Good thing na na-fast track ang proceeds ng insurance claims. As instructed by Secretary Cacdac, tutukan ang insurance. Natutuwa tayo kasi wala pang 10 days, naayos na,” he said.
Aguirre also underscored her company’s continued readiness to assist OFWs and their dependents, noting, “Lagi naman pong kaagapay ang Pioneer ng mga OFWs. Kung mayroon po kayong kailangan sa Pioneer, masaya kaming maglingkod sa inyo.”
