Death of Filipina in Saudi under scrutiny amid abuse reports

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that it would conduct a “closer look” at the death of a female overseas Filipino worker in Saudi Arabia after it received reports that she had been maltreated.

The DFA identified the Filipina as Emerita Gannaban. Initial reports said she died from poisoning after working in Saudi Arabia for less than four months

READ: Kalinga woman poisoned in Saudi

“The Department, at the same time, assures the family of Emerita Gannaban, a 44-year-old household service worker from Kalinga Province, that it would take a closer look into her death as well as allegations that she had been maltreated,” the DFA said in a statement late Sunday night.

According to the department, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh was in touch with the family of Gannaban regarding the case.

The DFA assured the family of arrangements for the repatriation of her body once the investigation was done.

“Chargé d’Affaires Christopher Patrick Aro said the Embassy was waiting for the results of the autopsy conducted on Gannaban,” it said.

The DFA also extended its condolences to the bereaved family members. /cbb