Remains of 3 Filipino workers killed in Kuwait fire returned to Manila

On Monday, the remains of three Filipino workers who died from smoke inhalation in a fire at an apartment building in al-Mangaf, Kuwait on June 12 were returned to Manila.

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Arnell Ignacio and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac received the remains along with relatives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Pair-Pags Center in Pasay City.

Ignacio met with the families beforehand to provide updates on the investigation by Kuwaiti authorities, assure them that all benefits will be promptly provided, and noted that OWWA would offer bereavement and funeral benefits worth P220,000 while their company and the Kuwaiti government would also contribute financial assistance.

The fire claimed 49 lives, mostly Indians, with eleven Filipinos affected, including two hospitalized critically. Two other Filipinos remain in Kuwait for serious injuries sustained and are being monitored by the Philippine Embassy there.

DMW’s legal team in Kuwait is exploring the possibility of taking legal action based on the findings of the investigation.