The Philippine government is collaborating with Lebanese authorities to ensure justice for two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were taken hostage and killed by their employer in Beirut.
Hostage Incident Details
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac revealed during an online press briefing on Thursday that the two domestic workers were fatally shot on April 15 as police attempted to rescue them. "There was a hostage-taking incident involving our two compatriots. They are two domestic workers working in a household in Beirut, Lebanon, and unfortunately, the hostage-taking incident, the police were there, but the hostage-taking incident did not successfully rescue our two compatriots," he stated.
Cacdac identified the hostage-taker as the victims' employer, who shot them during the standoff. The DMW's legal team is now working closely with Lebanese prosecutors in the ongoing investigation, with hopes of securing an indictment and charging the perpetrator.
No Link to Regional Conflict
The secretary clarified that the case is unrelated to the broader Middle East conflict but stemmed from a violent incident within the employer's household. Lebanese authorities are conducting the investigation, and the Philippine government will remain "actively involved" to ensure accountability and the filing of charges.
The DMW is awaiting the investigation's results, including autopsy findings, before the victims' remains can be repatriated to the Philippines.
Government Support for Families
Cacdac noted that Undersecretaries Bernard Olalia and Felicitas Bay have already visited the families of the two victims, providing assurances of government support and aid. He personally communicated with one victim's family by phone, conveying sympathies and support on behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
While refraining from disclosing detailed information due to the ongoing investigation, Cacdac emphasized the government's commitment to seeking justice. "We are pushing for an autopsy there to find out what happened in the incident. We have been in touch with the families, it's also our President's directive to assure them of our assistance. And also, yes, our commitment that we will seek justice for our two compatriots, two OFWs who perished, who were killed," he added.
