undersecretary conejos directs RP embassy, kuwait to coordinate with kuwaiti police
 on investigation into death of filipinA OFW, extend assistance to next-of-kin 

31 May 2006 — Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban B. Conejos, Jr. directed the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to coordinate with local authorities on the investigation into the death of OFW Mailene R. Barroga and ensure that consular assistance is extended especially to her next-of-kin. 

Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Ricardo M. Endaya reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that on 28 May 2006, OFW Barroga, 36 years old, was found dead in the room she had shared with a female Nepalese co-worker. 

According to the Ambassador’s report, Lt. Abdulaziz of the Fayha Police Station informed the Embassy that the police have already questioned OFW Barroga’s Yemeni housemates who lived on the ground floor of the same house.  The Ambassador further reported the Yemenis told the police that around 1:00 a.m. of 28 May 2006,  “they heard heated arguments from the third floor of the house.”   

Lt. Abdulaziz also stated that the brother of OFW Barroga’s employer was the person who reported the OFW’s death to the police.  The brother, who lived near the house, discovered OFW Barroga’s corpse when he went to the room to check on the two domestic workers. 

The Lieutenant then said that the police immediately arrested the Sri Lankan boyfriend of OFW Barroga’s roommate.  The police have also launched a manhunt for the suspect Nepalese co-worker/roommate who went into hiding as they continue the investigation including the interrogation of co-workers and those closely linked with the victim and suspect, the Ambassador said. 

The Ambassador assured that the Embassy will work for the immediate return to the Philippines of the remains of OFW Barroga upon the conclusion of the investigation by the Kuwaiti Police and  payment to the next-of-kin of any unpaid salary and benefits of the OFW. Ambassador Endaya also assured the Department that the Embassy will follow up with the Kuwaiti Police on the investigation of the case, and will report on any new developments.   

In the meantime, Undersecretary Conejos said “the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs has already informed OFW Barroga’s family here in the Philippines of this tragedy, and has assured them of our assistance as I conveyed the condolences of the Secretary and myself.”  END

/jay