Ailing OFW in viral video has died – PH Embassy

MANILA, Philippines — The overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Riyadh who was seeking help in a video posted on social media has died, the Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confirmed.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to convey its deepest and most sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Marcelo Tanyag III. The Philippine government, through the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, will bear upon Mr. Tanyag’s employer to explain if their actions, or lack thereof, contributed to his untimely demise,” the embassy said in a statement dated Wednesday but shared on Facebook on Thursday.

https://www.facebook.com/PHLinKSA/photos/a.328173730589039/4033364753403233/

Before his death, Tanyag even managed to record a video of himself to seek help as he suffered from severe coughing and difficulty in breathing.

In the video that circulated on social media, the OFW was seen visibly unwell as he tried to catch his breath and had violent coughing fits.

Tanyag said he started feeling ill on May 23. He said he was sent to a clinic but was sent back to their quarters afterward.

“Kahit na hirap na hirap na akong maglakad, hinahabol ko ang paghinga ko. Ilang beses na akong nakiusap hanggang sa huli, kahapon, sabi dadalhin na ako sa ospital ulit. Ang daming beses na, ibinalik na naman nila ako dito,” he said.

(I am finding it hard to walk and I am short of breath. I have repeatedly asked for help. Yesterday, they said they will bring me to a hospital. But like before, they again brought me back here.)

“Hirap na hirap na po ako. Hindi ko na po alam ang gagawin ko. Nanghihina na po ako. Sa totoo lang malapit na akong sumuko dahil talagang hirap na hirap na ang hininga ko,” he added.

(I am really suffering here. I do not know what to do. My body is feeling weak. To be honest, I want to give up because I am really finding it hard to breathe.)

Meanwhile, the embassy said it has communicated with Tanyag’s employer for immediate repatriation of his remains, and that it will continue to communicate with the company until all his personal belongings and employment benefits are sent to his family in the Philippines.

“Despite the strain on Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department will continue to protect and promote the rights and interests of Filipinos thereat and will extend necessary and appropriate assistance to them,” said the embassy.

RELATED STORIES

574 OFWs from Saudi Arabia, France arrive in PH amid COVID-19 pandemic

5 Filipinos die of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia; at least 119 infected

GSG