OFW killed by falling drone debris repatriated
THE remains of an OFW killed in a drone interception near Saudi Arabia’s Shaybah oilfield arrive in Manila on Friday, as Department of Migrant Workers and OWWA officials receive the casket and assure the bereaved family of government assistance.
Photograph courtesy of Department of Migrant Workers/FACEBOOK
The remains of overseas Filipino worker Jayson Bolingon Martinez, who was killed by falling debris from an intercepted drone in Saudi Arabia, arrived in the Philippines on Friday.
Martinez’s remains were flown home aboard Saudia Airlines Flight SV862 through the coordination of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other government agencies.
He died on 21 October while driving near Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield after debris from a drone intercepted while targeting the facility struck him.
The OWWA Repatriation and Assistance Division and its Regional Welfare Office 1 assisted in receiving his remains and provided support to his family.
His employer arranged the repatriation in coordination with the Migrant Workers Office in Al Khobar, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and Saudi authorities.
The employer also processed Martinez’s unpaid salary, end-of-service benefits and other labor entitlements.
Before his remains arrived, OWWA Region 1 personnel visited his family to offer condolences, discuss their needs and explain the assistance available to them. They also accompanied his wife in securing the necessary documents and provided transportation assistance.
As an active OWWA member, Martinez’s family is entitled to death and burial benefits.
Qualified dependents may also apply for livelihood and educational assistance under the agency’s Education and Livelihood Assistance Program, subject to its guidelines.