“The suspension was made on the recommendation of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office — Eastern Region Operations (POLO-ERO) of the Philippines Embassy,” Labor Attache David Des T. Dicang told Arab News by phone on Sunday.

He added that PRA Solidworks was also recommended to be investigated for possible recruitment violations.

Dicang also said Philippine Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor sent a letter on Saturday to Eastern Province Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Fahd seeking his help for a quick and thorough investigation into the maid’s death as well as the immediate arrest and detention of the suspect.

“Ambassador Villamor sought the assistance of Prince Muhammad bin Fahd as a way to exhaust all possible avenues so that justice will be administered on behalf of Ibanez’s family,” Dicang said.

Villamor had earlier sought the assistance of Prince Muhammad while he was seeking clemency for Sarah Dematera, a maid who was sentenced to death for the 1992 slaying of her employer.

The family of the victim agreed to pardon Dematera after lengthy negotiations.

The POLO-ERO also made several follow-ups during the weekend to get the result of the investigation from the police. However, Dicang said, the police informed him that they would call him when a report was ready.

Dicang said upon the repatriation of Ibanez’s body to the Philippines, her relatives in North Cotabato will receive death benefits and burial assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

“The relatives will receive a total of 220,000 pesos — 200,000 pesos as death benefit and 20,000 pesos as burial assistance,” Dicang said.