Medical examiner says OFW may have really committed suicide
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ROXAS CITY, Philippines—The police medico-legal officer of Western Visayas declared that overseas Filipino worker Aloha Acer Magbanua could have committed suicide in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last month.
“There’s no sign of struggle. But we cannot yet totally rule out homicide because of the inject(ion) injuries on the foot,” said Dr. Joe Martin Fuentes, Western Visayas police medico-legal officer who conducted an autopsy on the body of Magbanua on Wednesday morning.
Magbanua, 34, was found hanging inside the Filipino Workers Resource Center (FWRC) in Kuala Lumpur last November 8. But her relatives did not believe she committed suicide.
“We can’t find no reason for her to commit suicide. She was a good girl,” said Magbanua’s uncle, Antonio Magbanua.
In the autopsy report, Fuentes said Magbanua died of asphyxia, which was consistent with hanging.
Article continues after this advertisementHe noted that the puncture on Magbanua’s left foot might have been due to treatment she received at the hospital where she was taken.
Article continues after this advertisementAntonio Magbanua said the family would have to meet and discuss what move to take in light of the autopsy report.
Magbanua’s remains arrived in Manila at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and was flown to Roxas City early Wednesday morning.
Margarita Magbanua accompanied the remains of her daughter.
Her family and other relatives were at the Roxas City airport carrying streamers bearing the words: “Justice for Aloha Magbanua.”
Her body was taken directly to St. Peter’s Memorial Home in Barangay Tanza, Roxas City for autopsy.
On Thursday, Magbanua’s body is to be taken to her home in Barangay Bolo, five km from the Roxas City proper.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration regional director Samuel Madrid assured Magbanua’s family that they would receive benefits, including for death and burial.
Madrid, who also waited for the OFW’s remains to arrive at Roxas City airport, said the government would help Magbanua’s family get counseling to cope with the stress of losing a loved one.
