Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo said they are closely studying the proposal to ban the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait, following the tragic death of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) there.

In an interview on Friday, Jan. 31, Manalo said there is still no decision on the proposal to ban the deployment of Filipino workers, however, they are currently looking into the terms and effects of a potential deployment ban.

"Proposal pa lang naman ito so far pero I want to assure that this is an issue na pinag-aralan namin closely with DMW, yung potential deployment ban whether its Kuwait or another country kasi marami ring factors, e (This is still a proposal but I want to assure that this is an issue that we are studying the potential deployment ban closely with the Department of Migrant Workers whether its Kuwait or another country)," Manalo said in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

Manalo stressed that while they need to protect Filipino workers, they must also consider the relationship of the country with the foreign country.

"We will have to study this very carefully taking into account the protection of workers and relations with the country concerned in this case. Yun ang kailangan natin pag-aralan (That is what we need to look into)," the DFA chief said.

Asked if it will be possible to implement the ban, Manalo said it is yet to be decided.

"Wala pa naman decision, pero we're are studying closely, tsaka kung ano yung mga effects kung sakaling magkaroon ng deployment ban (There is still yet to be a decision but we're studying closely the effects in case the deployment ban is implemented)," Manalo said.

Meanwhile, Manalo said the death of OFW Jenny Alvarado, who allegedly died due to coal suffocation from the heating system of her workplace, remains under investigation.

The Philippine embassy in Kuwait and DMW are coordinating with Kuwaiti authorities for the actual results of the investigation, according to Manalo.

"Ini-investigate ng Kuwaiti authorities pero yung embassies natin sa Kuwait nakatutok at tinutulungan yung authorities of Kuwait para ma-investigate itong issue. Kasama ang din namin ang DMW on this matter. So, hinihintay pa rin namin yung actual results of investigation of Kuwaiti authorities (Kuwait authorities are undertaking an investigation on the incident. Our embassies and the DMW are also monitoring the investigation, and awaiting the actual results of the probe)," Manalo said.

The remains of Alvarado arrived home last Jan. 16. She was laid to rest last Jan. 26.