DMW seeks justice for slain OFW in Kuwait

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured on Thursday that the Philippine government will seek justice for an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was killed in Kuwait.

The prime suspect is already in custody and under investigation, with a legal retainer monitoring the case to ensure prosecution and justice are achieved.

Kuwaiti authorities reported the discovery of OFW Dafnie Nacalaban's body on December 28 after she went missing in October following her transfer to a second employer; her family has been provided with financial assistance for burial expenses.

Senator Win Gatchalian urged the DMW and DFA to strengthen protection mechanisms for OFWs and revisit existing bilateral labor agreements, emphasizing that justice must be served.

The repatriation of Nacalaban's remains will proceed once Kuwaiti authorities conclude their investigation, facilitated by the Philippine Embassy and Migrant Workers Office in Kuwait.

Cacdac stated that stricter measures have been implemented for deploying workers to Kuwait following this incident, with ongoing policy reviews to prevent similar occurrences.

The government is enhancing guidelines for reporting changes in employment to ensure better protection of OFWs.