Sibalom: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured the family of slain overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Rona Jean Gervoso of continued assistance following the mistaken repatriation of another worker's remains in her place. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also assured that the government will pursue justice for the slain OFW in Lebanon.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cacdac visited Gervoso's family in Sibalom, Antique, conveying the condolences of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and apologized to the family over the incident, which added to their grief after Gervoso was killed. 'Lubos po kaming nakikiramay sa inyong pamilya. Humihingi po kami ng taos-pusong paumanhin sa nangyaring pagkakapalit ng mga labi. Sisiguraduhin po namin na mabibigyan kayo ng kinakailangang suporta at hustisya sa pangyayaring ito (We deeply sympathize with your family. We sincerely apologize for the mix-up of the remains. We assure you that you will receive the necessary support and justice on this matter),' he said as quoted in a news release Tuesday.

Cacdac said he was directed by the President to personally visit the family and assured them that the government would provide all available assistance. On April 15, Gervoso and fellow OFW Honeylith Zamoras of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte were fatally shot while inside their room in Lebanon. Authorities said the suspect was the child of Zamoras' employer.

On June 12, the supposed remains of Gervoso arrived in Barangay Esperanza II, Sibalom, but her husband, Fausto, later discovered that the body was not that of his wife. The remains were eventually identified as those of Zamoras. DMW Regional Office 6, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), also vowed to address the family's needs until Gervoso is properly laid to rest.

The DMW added that the Labor Attach© in Lebanon has been instructed to coordinate with the relevant authorities and take the necessary legal steps to identify and hold accountable those involved in the incident. Cacdac also met with Sibalom Mayor Gian Carlo Occe±a to strengthen coordination in providing legal, financial, and other necessary assistance to Gervoso's family, as part of the government's commitment to protect the welfare of OFWs and ensure that their loved ones have sufficient support, especially during times of great hardship.