No benefits for Bicolana OFW killed in Syria

LEGAZPI CITY (Mar 22 2012)– A Bicolana overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was killed in strife-torn Syria will not receive benefits from the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA).

According to an official of the OWWA Bicol regional office, the family of Mary Ann Montessor, a native of Pasacao, Camarines Sur, shall forfeit the P200,000 cash, full scholarship grant for her children and livelihood assistance that are given by the OWWA to an OFW who dies abroad

OWWA officials warn of the loss of benefits for OFWs who do not register with the OWWA or illegally travel abroad for employment.

Meanwhile, Congressman Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo of the 2nd district of Camarines Sur is facilitating the return of Montessor’s remains from Syria back to her home town.

A relative of the victim, Mike Graveto, said in a local radio broadcast on Tuesday that according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) frinds and acquaintances of Montessor in Syria have raised funds for bringing back the victim’s remains.

According to DFA sources, it takes 15 days or more to bring back the remains to the country from the Middle East.

It was earlier reported that the ill-fated OFW died in the company of her employers when the vehicle they were riding on were fired upon while avoiding a checkpoint manned by Syrian militias. (SONNY SALES)