BACK HOME TO REST. The casket containing the remains of slain overseas Filipino worker Marjorette Garcia arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Saudi Arabia on Friday (Oct. 13, 2023). Garcia was brought home through the efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. (Photo courtesy of OWWA)
MANILA – The remains of 32-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Marjorette Garcia who was slain by her African co-worker in Saudi Arabia arrived in the country on Friday.
“Marjorette is home. Through the combined efforts of our Embassy in Saudi Arabia, our Migrant Workers Office, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, we have brought her home to rest,” Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a statement.
“It is with broken hearts that we mourn her loss, that we bring her home in this manner, the victim of one senseless act of violence we have yet to comprehend,” he added.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Arnell Ignacio, together with the family of Garcia, received the remains at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 10:30 a.m.
Cacdac said Garcia’s excellent relationship and service to her employer are worth honoring.
“Coordinated tayo sa pamilya at tutulungan natin ang pamilyang naiwan lalo na yung dalawang anak (We are in coordination with her family and we will help the family left behind, especially her two children),” he said.
Cacdac said the charge sheet that the DMW obtained from the prosecutor's office in Saudi Arabia confirmed that Garcia was stabbed by her Kenyan co-worker.
The co-worker allegedly has grudges against Garcia as she was always favored by their employer.
Meanwhile, Ignacio assured that OWWA and the DMW will help the family of Garcia, including a livelihood package, processing of insurance claims, and scholarship to her two minor children.
Garcia’s wake will be held in her hometown in San Jacinto, Pangasinan. (PNA)
