An Ilongga overseas Filipino worker was discovered lifeless inside her living quarters in Abu Dhabi, prompting her relatives to seek assistance while disputing initial claims about how she died.
The victim was identified as Mary Jill Dela Cerna Muya, a native of Jaro district in Iloilo City. In an interview aired by Bombo Radyo, her former husband, who asked to be identified only as alias June, said images circulating online showed Muya with her mouth covered and a ligature around her neck, while her feet appeared to be touching the floor.
Relatives were informed that Muya’s death was being treated as a suicide, but the family has rejected that conclusion and believes there may have been foul play involved. According to alias June, they also noticed marks on one of her hands based on the photos that were shared with them.
With limited contacts in the United Arab Emirates, the family turned to Bombo Radyo to ask for help in arranging the repatriation of Muya’s remains to Iloilo. They said she had worked abroad for nearly 20 years.
Muya was described by her family as undocumented at the time of her death, a status commonly referred to by Filipinos as “TNT.” Through her child, it was learned that she occasionally earned income by helping with catering during special events.
Concerns grew when Muya failed to contact her child during the Christmas holidays, a silence that her family said was unusual.
“Nagapangayo kami sang bulig sa OWWA kag sa DFA nga makita na sang bata ko ang iya iloy nga dal-on diri sa Pilipinas,” alias June said.
“Wala kami sang kontak didto, ang picture lang gid ang nagalapta,” he added.
He also appealed to the Iloilo City Government for assistance in bringing Muya’s remains home despite her undocumented status.
