EDITORIAL - A grim reminder

In what seems to be the latest incident involving an Overseas Filipino Worker in Kuwait, the burned and lifeless body of a woman has been found in the desert.

Authorities identified her as Jullebee Ranara, 35, who worked as a domestic worker. Her son’s employer has been arrested in relation to the incident.

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople has vowed to get justice for Ranara, whose case comes five years after the death of another OFW in Kuwait, Joanna Demafelis, who was found dead in a freezer after she was murdered by her employers.

There is no doubt that this latest incident is a tragedy, but instead of just letting this be a tragedy we can also let this incident be a reminder.

A reminder to Filipinos thinking of working abroad that there are attendant risks that come with such a job. Yes, in all likelihood the pay is good, but the risks are also great, especially in nations that have come to think of Filipinos as nothing more than a race of servants.

A reminder to people who want to work abroad to always go with legitimate employment agencies. If those in charge of our OFWs abroad know who you are, who you are working for, and where you are, there are greater chances they can get to you immediately when you need help.

A reminder to those in charge of our OFWs to always make sure they are protected abroad. Our OFWs are in a strange land, surrounded by customs and laws they aren’t used to or familiar with. They need all the help they can get when they get into trouble or feel like they need help.

A reminder to our national government officials to be more firm when it comes to countries that treat our workers like trash. Perhaps deployment bans can become longer, or even permanent.

Last but not least, it should also be a reminder to our local government officials that more should be done do provide local jobs that can actually support families so that Filipinos don’t have to risk life and limb to work abroad.

No Filipino in his or her right mind would leave their loved ones and what is familiar if there is nothing better waiting for him or her abroad.