By Leslie Ann Aquino
Although an inactive member of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Melody Albano Castro, the Filipina caretaker killed in the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in Taiwan will still get assistance from the government.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
"She is an inactive member but we will still provide her benefits," Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.
The benefits shall include repatriation, death benefits, livelihood, and scholarship for her children.
Bello admitted that the benefits will be less than what an active OWWA member is entitled to.
"Kung active member, mas malaki ang matatanggap. Kung hindi active, depende sa OWWA kung magkano ibigay pero usually nagbibigay out of humanitarian consideration," he said.
Filipina in freezer
Meanwhile, the Labor secretary said the Filipina found in a freezer in an abandoned apartment in Kuwait has already been identified.
Based on DNA tests, the body was identified as that of Joanna Daniela Dimapilis from Iloilo, Bello said in a radio interview.
"Mula sa DNA--through her fingerprints--ay na-identify na ang ating kababayan na na-freezer na si Joanna Daniela Dimapilis," he told DZBB.
Once the body has defrosted, DNA testing might help shed light on the cause of death, added Bello.
The Department of Labor and Employment is expected to come out soon with a decision on whether to lift the suspension or impose a ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Kuwait.