Pampanga: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), in collaboration with Pioneer Insurance, has disbursed the insurance benefits to the family of Gerome Zarate De Castro, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who died in Cyprus. The family is currently awaiting the outcomes of the investigation surrounding his death.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi and Region 3 (Central Luzon) Director Marion Sevilla personally delivered the insurance benefits to De Castro’s children, represented by their mother, and to his father in Pampanga. Although the family expressed gratitude for the swift assistance, they remain hopeful for clarity regarding the circumstances leading to De Castro’s death. “We are very grateful for all the assistance given by the government, but we still look forward to the result of the case, the ultimate reason for his death,” said De Castro’s wife.

De Castro, who had been employed at the City of Dreams Cyprus for three years, was found critically injured outside his apartment building in Limassol on September 28. He was transported to Limassol General Hospital but succumbed to his injuries several hours later. Initial reports from local media suggested a fall from a balcony approximately six meters high. However, forensic pathologists later reported that De Castro died of hemorrhagic shock from internal bleeding due to a ruptured spleen, along with penetrating abdominal wounds. These findings prompted the Cyprus police to reclassify the case as premeditated murder, and investigations are ongoing.

The DMW assured ongoing coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the final autopsy results. De Castro’s remains were repatriated to the Philippines on October 29 via Clark International Airport, facilitated by the joint efforts of the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Foreign Affairs.

As an active OWWA member, De Castro’s family was promptly provided with benefits, including an accidental death benefit of PHP200,000 and educational assistance for his child under the Educational Livelihood Assistance Program. According to OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, the family is also eligible for other OWWA programs, such as livelihood support.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac previously assured the family of expedited processes, including the release of benefits. He emphasized that the swift turnover exemplified DMW’s enhanced coordination with partner agencies.