An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) returning home from Kuwait tragically passed away while on a bus to Dumaguete City, just days after completing her work abroad.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) confirmed the death of Wilma Auza, who reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest during her bus journey on Monday. She had just returned to the Philippines after completing her employment contract in Kuwait—not as a repatriated worker, OWWA clarified.
“We are finding out po kasi di naman po siya repatriated worker. Siya po ay umuwi because of end of contract. We are on the ground. We are going to release an update soon,” said OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan.
Auza was reportedly feeling unwell and vomiting during the trip. She eventually fell asleep but was later found unresponsive when the bus reached the terminal. Emergency personnel responded and brought her to a rural health unit, where she was declared dead.
OWWA has reached out to her family and extended their deepest condolences, along with financial and welfare assistance.
“Nakausap na po ng OWWA ang kanyang pamilya at patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan upang maipaabot ang taos-pusong pakikiramay, suporta, at tulong-pinansyal,” the agency said in a statement.
“In this time of mourning, we join Mrs. Wilma’s family in remembering her life and the sacrifices she made for her loved ones,” the agency added. “She was not only an OFW, but also a mother, a wife, and a friend who sacrificed steadfastly for the future of her family.”
