BACOLOD CITY – A 41-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) tragically passed away before reuniting with her family, after she was found lifeless inside a bus that had just docked in a seaport in San Jose, Negros Oriental on Monday, Aug. 4.
A 41-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was found lifeless inside a bus in a seaport in San Jose, Negros Oriental on Monday, Aug. 4. (Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office)
The woman’s story has gone viral online, drawing sympathy from netizens touched by her dedication and sacrifices working abroad.
According to Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental police, the victim had reportedly traveled from Japan to Manila.
From Manila, she continued her journey to Cebu, then boarded a bus bound for Cebu South terminal to catch a roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessel for a short sea trip to her hometown in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.
She was reportedly feeling ill upon arrival at the Cebu South terminal and asked the conductor to purchase her ticket, opting to remain inside the bus rather than disembark.
By the time the bus arrived at the San Jose port at around 9:30 a.m., a fellow passenger noticed she was unresponsive. Bus staff quickly alerted authorities.
Police sought assistance from the local Rural Health Unit.
Polinar said the victim died of an acute ischemic attack, citing medical findings.
She was known to be taking medication for hypertension, he added.
The victim’s identity has been withheld at the family’s request, according to Polinar.
Authorities said they are unsure where the OFW had been working or how long she had been away from home.
Meanwhile, the rest of the passengers were transferred to another bus to proceed with their trip, Polinar said.