Kin of deceased OFWs to receive assistance from OWWA

Jun. 20, 2015

DAVAO CITY – Kin of two Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), who died in appalling circumstances while on vacation here in the country, will receive assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa).

Anselmo Ramos Cayabyab, Jr. worker in Papua New Guinea, died after the jeepney he was riding fell into a ravine while on their way to a family outing in San Fabian, Pangasinan.

Reports from the police said the incident occurred near Roheim Resort in Barangay Colisao, San Fabian, at 12:10 PM of May 17.

Meanwhile, Oscar Ilagan, an OFW who works as a factory worker in Athens, Greece, was stabbed several times by a fish vendor in Sitio Pandayan, Barangay Durungao.

Investigators disclosed that Ilagan and the suspect, who was identified as Faustino Dalisay Boongaling, had a personal grudge.

Further investigation reveals that the victim was sleeping when the suspect entered his house through the back door and committed the crime last May 19.

In a press release, as active Owwa-members, families of the deceased OFWs are entitled to Death and Burial Benefit amounting to P220,000 as the cause of their death is accidental in nature.

The beneficiaries are also eligible to the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (Elap) where the surviving spouse will receive P15,000-worth of livelihood package and the first-born child is extended educational assistance until he/she finishes college education.

Concerned Owwa regional offices will also provide psychosocial counseling to the families of the deceased workers.

Rebecca Calzado, Owwa administrator, reminded the OFWs to renew their membership in order to have social protection while they are still active overseas workers.

“By being an Owwa member, you don’t just have access to what the agency has to offer to OFWs, but you and your families are also protected especially during distressful situations,” Calzado said.(Diana C. Tomale/davaotoday.com)

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