Sister of OFW killed in KSA cries for justice

KIDAPAWAN CITY — The sister of a Filipina domestic helper who died of acid burning and stab wounds in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wants justice for her death. Annabelle Eroy-Fuertes, elder sister of Romilyn Eroy Ibañez, said she was shocked to learn how her sister died. "We want justice, Fuertes said, adding, "My sister was such a good person. She doesn’t deserve such kind of death," Fuertes told GMANews.TV in an exclusive interview here. “Our parents have not heard of the report yet. For sure, they would also be shocked. I don’t know how to break the news to them," she said. According to her, their parents, who are in Arkan, a hinterland town in North Cotabato about one and a half hours ride from here, were wondering why they have not heard of Romelyn since she left. Fuertes described Romelyn as "very pious." "My sister was a scholar of a Diocesan priest from elementary until she completed college. She wanted to join the nunnery after college but because of poverty, she decided to work abroad," Fuertes said. After her graduation, Romelyn was convinced by her elder sister Romelie to try working as domestic helper abroad. The two left Manila for the Middle East in May this year. Romelie’s destination was Kuwait while Romelyn’s was Saudi Arabia, Fuertes said, adding that her other sister, Mira, has been working as domestic helper in Egypt since 2007. Fuertes has sought help of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in North Cotabato so Romelyn's remains would be brought back home and allow the family to give her a decent burial. Reports from Philippine officials in the KSA said Romelyn died from acid burns and stab wounds last September 8. [See story: Pinay DH dies of acid burns, stab wounds in KSA — DFA] According to Philippine Embassy officials in the KSA, Romelyn had knife wounds in her neck, abdomen and wrist as well as acid burns in her mouth area, arms and legs. She was taken to the King Fahd Hospital in Al-Khobar after she was found lying on the floor of in the kitchen of her employer's residence. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV