Villar seeks investigation on OFW's mysterious death

Sen. Manny Villar has asked the foreign affairs department to push for an investigation to ascertain the true cause of the death of an overseas Filipino worker in Kuwait.

In a letter to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Sec. Albert del Rosario, Villar requested on behalf of the family of Juvy Montesoso for an investigation to determine the true cause of her death.

"Incidentally, her remains are still in Kuwait, and as such, assistance in the cadaver's repatriation will be highly appreciated," Villar also said in the letter dated August 17, 2011.

Villar learned the case of Montesoso in his visit to Cebu City last week for the Global CSR Summit. Juvy's sister, Rochelle, met Villar at a radio station there.

Juvy started working in Kuwait as a domestic helper in 2008. After which, she became a receptionist at the Fintas Hotel of the same country. Last week, her family received the news of her demise. According to reports, on August 5 at 9 am, Juvy jumped to her death from the 8th floor residence of her boyfriend who is a member of the US Military.

"Hindi po kami naniniwala na magpapakamatay siya. Nagpadala pa siya ng pera para sa anak niya at nag-usap pa kami nung gabi," Rochelle tearfully told Villar.

Villar assured Rochelle that he will help repatriate the remains of Juvy and will help in the education of the six-year-old daughter she left behind. Rochelle told Villar that the child is still unaware of her mother's death.

"Lagi niya nga pong hinahanap ang Mama niya. Hindi namin alam kung paano sasabihin sa kanya na wala na ang Mama niya," Rochelle said.

Villar, after the conversation with Rochelle, immediately instructed his Sagip-OFW Helpline staff to provide assistance to the family and ensure the repatriation of the remains.

Rochelle also sought the help of other local officials in Cebu after meeting Villar.

"Maraming ganyang kaso tayong naririnig na mga kababayan nating nahuhulog sa building na either itinulak o tumatakas sa gustong manakit sa kanila. Maraming kaso ang hindi na natin nalalaman ang katotohanan. Sa kaso ni Juvy, gagawin natin ang lahat para mabigyan siya ng hustisya kung mapapatunayang may foul play ito," Villar said.