NEGROS Occidental – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has extended assistance to the family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia whose three children were attacked inside their home in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
One of the victims, a nine-year-old girl, died after an unidentified assailant reportedly entered their residence and struck the children with stones on February 7.
Her siblings — a 14-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy — remain confined in a hospital in Bacolod City.
Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region, said authorities have identified two persons of interest and are building a case against the perpetrators.
“The body of the nine-year-old girl underwent an autopsy. Vaginal swabs were also taken from her and her elder sister to determine if there was sexual abuse,” Malong said.
She added that DNA swabs were also conducted on stones believed to have been used in the attack.
According to police reports, the three children were alone at home when the incident occurred. Their father was at work in Bacolod City on February 6. Upon returning home the following day, he found his children injured and sought help from neighbors to rush them to the hospital.
Following the incident, OWWA immediately facilitated the return of the children’s mother, identified only as “Ronelyn,” who works in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, OWWA said the OFW’s employer provided her airline ticket. Upon her arrival in Manila on February 8, the agency assisted her onward travel back to Silay City to be with her family.
OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan visited the wake of the nine-year-old girl in Barangay E. Lopez on Tuesday, February 10, and met with the children’s father to assure the family of continued assistance and coordination.
“As an active member of OWWA, ‘Ronelyn’ was provided with repatriation and financial assistance and immediate welfare support,” the agency said.
Authorities continue their investigation as the family mourns the loss of the child and prays for the recovery of the two surviving siblings. (PNA)
