The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has expressed condolences to the family of Gerome Zarate De Castro, the Filipino worker who died in Cyprus on September 28, 2025 under circumstances now being investigated as possible murder.
OWWA Administrator PY Caunan said the agency stands with De Castro’s loved ones during this period of grief. De Castro, a casino dealer at City of Dreams Cyprus, had been working abroad for three years to support his three young children in the Philippines.
His remains arrived at Clark International Airport on October 29, 2025, through the coordinated efforts of OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Philippine Embassy in Athens. In an earlier report, the family confirmed to The Global Filipino Magazine that they were at the airport to receive Gerome’s body. Representatives from OWWA Regional Welfare Office III were also present to formally receive the remains and extend the government’s condolences and support to the bereaved family.
As an active OWWA member, De Castro’s family immediately received benefits, including a ₱200,000 accidental death benefit and educational support for his child under the Educational Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP). The family is also eligible for additional livelihood aid from the agency.
Authorities in Cyprus previously reported the incident as a fall, but autopsy findings showed internal injuries and penetrating wounds, prompting investigators to treat the case as suspicious. De Castro’s relatives in the Philippines have also requested a second autopsy upon his return, noting visible bruises on his body.
OWWA and DMW said they remain in close coordination with the family as the investigation abroad continues.
