The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is investigating whether the employer of deceased overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jenny Alvarado can be held liable for her death under Kuwaiti law.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac disclosed this during a press briefing at Kapihan sa Manila Prince Hotel on Friday.
“We have instructed our Kuwaiti lawyer to examine this matter thoroughly. If findings under Kuwaiti law establish liability on the employer’s part, we will pursue legal action,” Cacdac said.
He assured that the department is conducting a meticulous review of the case to ensure justice for Alvarado and her family.
Cadaver Mix-Up and NBI Autopsy
Alvarado’s remains arrived in the Philippines on Thursday evening, a week after her family was mistakenly given the wrong cadaver. Cacdac apologized for the error and said the DMW is exploring legal recourse to address the mishap.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted an autopsy on Alvarado’s body Friday morning, following reports that Kuwaiti authorities failed to perform one.
“It’s unfortunate that an autopsy wasn’t done in Kuwait, but I believe nothing was lost. The NBI had the first-hand opportunity to view an intact body, which is essential for their investigation,” Cacdac noted.
Assessing Labor Restrictions
The DMW is also reviewing the effectiveness of existing measures to protect Filipino workers in Kuwait. These include:
- Restricting first-time workers from deployment.
- Whitelisting credible recruitment agencies.
- Conducting pre-departure briefings.
- Strengthening monitoring mechanisms.
“We are closely evaluating whether these restrictions are sufficient or if we need to introduce stricter measures,” Cacdac added.
Background and Next Steps
The tragic death of Jenny Alvarado highlights ongoing challenges faced by OFWs in Kuwait, sparking renewed calls for tighter safeguards and accountability measures. The DMW’s findings and the NBI’s autopsy report are expected to shed light on the circumstances of her death.