KIDAPAWAN CITY - Congresswoman NANCY A. CATAMCO want a deeper investigation regarding the death of two overseas Filipino workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The victims are Jocelyn Joy Pampangan, 25 years old and a resident of Barangay Kisante, Makilala, Cotabato and Romelyn Eroy Ibanez, 22 years old of Poblacion, Arakan, Cotabato.

During the phone interview with the good congresswoman in the radio program We Love North Cotabato last September 20 over the radio station DXND AM of Notre Dame Broadcating Network and Charm Radio, she stressed out that the said cases must be given due attention and thorough investigation in order to find justice. She said she was saddened after knowing that the two OFW were victims of torture which were allegedly committed by their own employers. "We must not stop in seeking justice for Jocelyn Joy and Romelyn. More than anything else we must always ensure the safety of our OFWs not just because of their remittance to the country which contributes a lot to the growth of the economy of the country but because we value life and it is sacred," Catamco added.

During the initial investigation conducted, it was found out that Janice Joy Pampangan was under the Al Miladi Manpower Services, Inc. as her local agent, and her principal employer was Orient for Recruiting Non Jordanian Domestic Helpers. Her papers from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration showed that her contracts begins last September 15, 2005 and ended last on September 15, 2007 but she was sent home only last September 13, 2010 lifeless three years after the end of her contract.

As per observation, it is so evident in the remains of the victim really suffers a tremendous abuse. Her left eye was allegedly remove, only her skin makes her bones intact and there were traces on her hand and legs that she was tied with a chain for quite long time. However, the family of the victim expressed that they will wait for the result of the autopsy which will be conducted by the element of NBI region 12 anytime this week.

On the other hand, the cadaver of Romelyn Eroy Ibanez is still in the custody of the Saudi Arabian government. The family of the victim is still trying hard and begging to POEA, OWWA and DFA asking for help so that the remains of the said victim will be sent home. As per information gathered, she left the country only last May 31, 2010 under the local agent Solidworks Manpower Resources and Promotions. But last September 9, 2010 the family of Romelyn was then informed by the OWWA 12 that she passed away due to acid born and multiple stab wounds.

Cong. Catamco want a speedy investigation of this two death cases of OFW not just because the victims came from the 2nd district of Cotabato which she represent but because she value the life of all OFWs who take risk of going abroad to find their fate for the better living of their immediate family members. "I will personally look into this matter, I will initiate legal actions to find justice with this cases and help ensure the safety of our OFWs our Bagong Bayani," Cong. Catamco added. ( 09/21/10/BCA)

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