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OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino is prodding the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to extend proper assistance to a Filipino domestic worker who has been tagged in the death of a child in her employer’s household.

“Dapat tiyakin na mabibigyan siya ng patas na paglilitis, at maprotektahan ang kanyang mga karapatang legal habang nilalakad ang kasong ito,” said Magsino in a statement on Sunday, Dec. 29.

(It must be ensured that she receives a fair trial, and that her legal rights are protected as this case progresses.)

Based on local media reports, the domestic worker allegedly placed the child inside a washing machine “out of frustration”.

The parents reportedly came home hearing their son’s screams and quickly brought him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Magsino expressed her sadness over the incident.

“Nais kong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong pakikiramay sa pamilya ng biktima sa kanilang pagdadalamhati,” she said.

(I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victim's family in their time of grief.)

The congresswoman said this incident emphasizes the need for stricter monitoring and support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

She particularly cited the importance of government-led programs focusing on mental health, training, and legal awareness before OFWs are deployed abroad.

“Patuloy tayong magbabantay upang masiguro ang kaligtasan at dignidad ng bawat Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa labas ng ating bayan,” she added.

(We should maintain vigilance to ensure the safety and dignity of every Filipino working outside our country.)

Magsino also said Philippine authorities must ensure continued cooperation with the Kuwaiti government to protect the image of Filipinos in the Middle Eastern country. 

She says OFWs in Kuwait are known for being trustworthy and diligent in their duties.

“Mahalaga ring masiguro na walang magiging negatibong epekto ang pangyayaring ito sa kapakanan ng mahigit 270,000 Pilipino sa Kuwait, lalo na sa mga naghahanapbuhay bilang mga household service worker,” she stressed.

(It is also important to ensure that this incident will not negatively affect the welfare of over 270,000 Filipinos in Kuwait, especially those working as household service workers.)

In a statement, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait called the incident isolated, and noted that it does not reflect the character of Filipinos and the Filipino community in Kuwait.

They said the domestic worker, who is currently detained, will be afforded assistance “within the framework of Kuwaiti law and in keeping with the Embassy’s mandate".