The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has ordered the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to dig deeper into the death of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jenny Alvarado. The goal is to uncover whether foul play was involved.
The Allegations
Jenny Alvarado, an OFW in Kuwait, was reported to have died from coal smoke inhalation on January 2. However, her daughters, Nathania and Angel, believe there is more to the story. They shared troubling details during a Senate Migrant Workers panel hearing, raising suspicions of abuse and foul play.
Senator Raffy Tulfo echoed these concerns, pointing to testimonies suggesting Jenny was mistreated, including being locked up, harassed, and denied proper food. Tulfo suggested a possible motive:
“Maybe the employer silenced her to avoid further problems.”
Heartbreaking Testimonies from Her Daughters
Jenny’s daughters provided emotional testimonies that cast doubt on the official explanation of her death:
- Jenny Hated Charcoal Smell: Angel claimed her mother had a highly sensitive sense of smell and detested the odor of charcoal. This made it unlikely that she would fail to wake up due to coal smoke.
- Employer’s Suspicious Actions: According to Angel, Jenny’s employer, not her agency, informed them of her death. The employer used Jenny’s phone and social media account to relay the news, raising red flags.
- Proper Ventilation in the Room: Angel recalled seeing windows in Jenny’s room during a video call, further questioning the coal smoke narrative.
Years of Abuse
The daughters also revealed years of mistreatment Jenny endured while working in Kuwait:
- Locked Up: Jenny’s employer reportedly locked her inside the house whenever they went out.
- Food and Salary Threats: Jenny was scolded for eating and was threatened with withheld wages if she didn’t return to Kuwait after visits to the Philippines.
- Sexual Harassment: Nathania said close friends of her mother informed them that Jenny had been sexually harassed by her employer, though Jenny kept it secret to shield her family from worry.
Government Action
DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega assured that Ambassador Jose Cabrera in Kuwait is working with police authorities to investigate. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is also preparing to file a case against Jenny’s employer based on the daughters’ statements.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac confirmed:
“We will take the children’s testimonies into account and pursue a case in Kuwait.”
Seeking Justice
Jenny’s tragic story has sparked outrage and calls for justice. Her daughters’ heartbreaking accounts highlight the challenges and dangers faced by OFWs. The Philippine government’s swift action is a step toward uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.
As investigations continue, Jenny’s story reminds us of the importance of protecting and supporting Filipino workers abroad, ensuring their rights and safety are upheld.
