“The Philippine Embassy replied and confirmed that a team from the Assistance to Nationals Section (ANS) will be visiting 'Rico' (a pseudonym) as soon as approval from local authorities is granted,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
He said the embassy had already considered hiring a lawyer to give Rico proper representation in court as he may be facing the death penalty, adding that he had also asked the embassy to get a police report on the incident and provide assistance in repatriating the remains of the victim.
Monterona said that Migrante-Middle East made the move after receiving a communication from Migrante International to help Rico. The relatives had earlier approached Migrante Philippines for help.
Rico was deployed in January 2009 by a Makati-based recruitment agency to work for a leading construction company.
“According to his sister-in-law, Rico and the victim had an altercation at their company-provided accommodation over a simple matter. They argued whether to leave the door of their room open or not, which led to the stabbing. The victim, who sustained two stab wounds, died immediately and Rico was arrested,” Monterona said.
He added that Migrante will also talk to the victim's family and assist in repatriating the remains.
“We will assist the family in getting the victim's end-of-service benefits from the company and assistance from the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration),” he said.
