JEDDAH, 20 April 2004 — The Kapit-Bisig Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) organization in Jeddah is mourning the tragic death of one of their members, Carlos “Charlie” Balingit.

Balingit, 50, a native of Macabebe, Pampanga, died April 15 after being hit by a car while on his way home on Palestine Street, his co-worker Ernie Apolo said. Balingit was crossing the road opposite the Bridgestone building when he was hit by a speeding car and killed.

Balingit had worked for 15 years at the Tamer Tamara fashion accessory store on Khaled ibn Walid Street as an accessory maker, according to his colleagues.

He is survived by five children and his wife Teresita, a teacher at the Al-Hekma International School. His wife and children are currently in Pampanga on summer vacation.

Carlos Alvarez, also a co-worker, was Balingit’s trusted confidante. Being a kababayan (also a Pampangero), he immediately informed Balingit’s immediate relatives.

“Please don’t joke like that!” screamed one of the daughters on the phone, when first told of her father’s death.

“What happened? If I knew he was going to die I wouldn’t have gone on vacation! If I hadn’t left he might still be alive today,” said a distressed Teresita.

Teresita’s request was to immediately have her husband’s body repatriated to their hometown. In the absence of any relatives here, Alvarez and Apolo are assisting in expediting the processing of paperwork to send Balingit’s body home.

His employer is also extending all the necessary assistance.

Still shocked at the tragic news, Sarah Atienza, Kapit-Bisig president, said: “Up to now I am trembling and cannot believe what happened.” She described Balingit as dependable, dedicated and hardworking. “Charlie was very dear to our hearts. He was multi-talented, that’s why his boss at Tamer Tamara liked him so much.”

True to what the organization stands for, the group is offering their prayers and extending all the necessary help, including soliciting donations from among their more than 200 members to help Balingit’s family cope with the unforeseen funeral expenses.