Rochelle Lechido Masubay was a 34- year- old domestic helper in Taif, Saudi Arabia. She had two children and was a Tacloban, Leyte native. She was able to go to Saudi Arabia and work there through Fors Recruitment Agency on May 25, 2014.
Rodolfo Malinao, Masubay’s partner said he went to the agency in January to say that the last communication he had with Rochelle was on June 26, 2014. This was the only time it was brought to his knowledge that Masubay was already dead since October 16, 2014, though her date of death in the certificate was on July 01, 2014. They said she allegedly committed suicide. Her remains were brought to her hometown on February 14.
“When the police forcibly opened her door, she was found dead with a knife stuck to her heart.
“We demand to know the real circumstances of Masubay’s death. Why did it take too long, half a year, for the family to be informed of her death?
“Worse, the family was duped into signing a compromise agreement ensuring that they would not file any charges, under the pretext that such a document is a requirement for the repatriation of her remains,” said by Sol Pilla of Migrante International.
The documentation was said to be an “a quitclaim in exchange for Php 119,240 from a certain Pioneer Insurance Agency.” Malinao signing the agreement strengthen the suspicion of foul play in Masubay’s death.
“Nowhere in the repatriation process does it state a compromise agreement as a requirement for repatriation. What reasons does the POEA have to whitewash or cover-up Masubay’s mysterious death?” Pillas appealed.
Migrante International asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to conduct further investigation into Masubay’s death as Masubay’s family believed that she really didn’t commit suicide.
Do you think there really was foul play involved in Masubay’s death? What can you say about the document that POEA urged Malinao to sign? Tell us your thoughts in the comment boxes below!
SOURCE: Kwentong OFW
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