ILOILO — An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Antique was among two Filipinos killed in a hostage incident involving their employer in Beirut, Lebanon on April 15, authorities confirmed.
Rona Jean Elio Gervoso, 50, a native of Sibalom, Antique, was identified as one of the victims. Initial reports indicated that she was fatally shot during the incident, allegedly by her employer’s child.
The other victim was identified as Honeylith Cabrera Zamoras, a fellow Filipina and resident of Olingan, Dipolog City.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said both victims were long-time household service workers employed in the residence where the shooting occurred. Their employer has since been arrested and is under police custody pending the filing of formal charges.
Gervoso’s family said they received confirmation of her death through a call from Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. The information was later verified with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
The DMW said the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, is closely working with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.
“The Philippine government remains committed to securing justice for the victims,” the agency said in a statement.
The DMW has also ordered the immediate provision of assistance to the victims’ families. Undersecretaries Bernard Olalia and Felicitas Bay were set to visit the families to convey condolences and assure them of full government support.
Meanwhile, the OWWA is facilitating the repatriation of the victims’ remains and extending financial assistance to help cover burial expenses.
Authorities assured that the government will continue to support the families, including providing access to benefits, as efforts to pursue justice and determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing./PN
