MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has filed a complaint against the employer of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia who allegedly died without receiving medical attention.
Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Adnan Alonto said the Philippine embassy filed the complaint against the employer of Marcelo Tanyag due to “questionable circumstances” that may constitute employer neglect.
Before his death, Tanyag managed to record a video of himself seeking medical attention as he suffered from COVID-19-like symptoms.
In the video that has gone viral on social media, the OFW was seen visibly unwell as he tried to catch his breath and had violent coughing fits.
“We’re going to meet also with the ministry of labor…to bring forth this particular matter because if what we heard and saw in the video are true, that constitutes employer neglect,” Alonto said in a televised public briefing on Wednesday.
“Gusto natin panagutin ang employer niya sa nangyari sa kanya,” he added.
(We want to hold his employer accountable for what happened to him.)
The diplomat also assured the family of Tanyag that the remains of the deceased Filipino will be brought home.