The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it is coordinating with the governments of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon after two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in those countries were found dead allegedly due to suicide.
DFA said the Philippine embassies in Beirut and Riyadh are working with the investigators to ensure that there was no foul play in the deaths of the two Filipina household workers.
At the same time, DFA consoled the families of the suicide victims, ensuring that the department will assist them in the repatriation of their relatives’ remains.
“We are deeply saddened by the news that two of our kababayan reportedly decided to take their own lives while working abroad and away from their families,” DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement on Monday.
“Our thoughts and prayers do to the loved ones they left behind,” Cayetano added.
According to DFA, the first incident happened in Beirut on June 11 (Monday) while the second in Al Hasa, Saudi Arabia on June 12 (Tuesday).
The Philippine Embassy to Beirut said the victim hails from Cagayan while the embassy in Riyadh said the worker found dead was from Agusan del Sur.
How to get help
People who feel that they may need help in preventing suicide may call Hopeline hotlines:
804-HOPE (4673)
0917-558-HOPE (4673), or
2919 (toll-free number for Globe and TM subscribers).
/vvp