Silay city: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has extended support to the family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia, whose three children were victims of violence at their home in Silay City, Negros Occidental. One of the three children, a nine-year-old girl, died after an unidentified assailant entered their home and hit them with stones on February 7.

According to Philippines News Agency, her two siblings, a 14-year-old girl and a four-year-old boy, are confined in a hospital in this city. Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, stated that they have already identified two persons of interest and are now building up a case against the perpetrators. 'The body of the nine-year-old girl underwent an autopsy. Vaginal swabs were also taken on her and her elder sister to determine if there is sexual abuse,' she added. Malong mentioned that DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) swabs were also done on stones allegedly used as tools for the crime.

In a report, the OWWA said that following the incident, the agency immediately took action to ensure the immediate return of OFW "Ronelyn" to her family. Her employer in Dammam provided an airline ticket and upon her arrival in Manila on February 8, the OWWA assisted her in her trip back to Silay City. On Tuesday, Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan visited the wake of the nine-year-old girl in Barangay E. Lopez and spoke with the children's father to assure him of continued assistance and coordination.

The three children were alone at home when they were attacked as their father was at work in Bacolod City on February 6. When he went home the following day, he found the siblings injured and immediately sought help from neighbors to bring them to the hospital. 'As an active member of OWWA, 'Ronelyn' was provided with repatriation and financial assistance and immediate welfare support,' the agency said.