DMW sends wrong remains of OFW to family, admits mistake

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) sent the wrong remains of OFW Jenny Alvarado to her family in the Philippines, according to Gabriela Representative Arlene Brosas.

The remains were allegedly switched with those of a Nepali domestic worker who also died in Kuwait.

Alvarado's family discovered the mix-up when they opened the casket at a funeral home in Cavite.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac admitted the mistake and apologized to the family, stating that a directive was issued to expedite the repatriation of the remains.

The private shipping service provider processed the repatriation, but the remains sent were not Jenny Alvarado's, despite being under her name.

Alvarado and two other foreign workers died of coal suffocation on January 2 after inhaling smoke from a heating system in their workplace.

Cacdac took full responsibility for the mistake, admitting he ordered the immediate repatriation of Alvarado's remains, which may have contributed to the error.

The DMW is investigating and determining possible legal liabilities over the repatriation error.

Alvarado's family is reportedly pursuing legal claims if the DMW's lawyers find any liability from the involved parties.