PH retains lawyer for case of Filipina domestic helper who died in Abu Dhabi

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi has retained a lawyer to pursue the case of a 44-year-old Filipina domestic helper who allegedly leapt to her death from the 13th floor of a building in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday that the case of overseas Filipina worker (OFW) Mary Jean Balag-ey Alberto, who died last October 2, is being closely monitored .

“The Department shall respond appropriately once the results of the forensic investigation are released,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola said.

Alberto reportedly died after jumping from a building, but her children believe foul play is involved as they claimed that their mother’s employer had attempted to strangle her less than 24 hours before her death.

The OFW’s eldest son, Ronel, questioned the testimony of her mother’s employer, who claimed that she heard “something falling” to the ground.

But Ronel questioned how the employer could hear the fall when their unit is at the 13th floor of the building.

READ: Foul play eyed in Pinay death in Abu Dhabi

The DFA said they have assisted Alberto’s daughter in a case conference with the concerned UAE authorities.

Further, the foreign affairs department has assured the family that necessary assistance will be provided, including the repatriation of the OFW’s remains back to the Philippines.   /muf