SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has urged the Department of Migrant Workers in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant offices to conduct a thorough investigation into the brutal killing of a 35-year-old overseas Filipino worker based in Kuwait.

The burned body of Filipino domestic worker Jullebee Ranara was reportedly found in the desert in Kuwait this past weekend, according to local media.

“I am urging the Department of Migrant Workers, relevant government agencies and concerned embassies to conduct an investigation on this issue,” said Go.

“Dapat masiguro nating maayos ang kalagayan ng ating OFWs sa labas ng bansa. Mandato natin yan, ang protektahan ang bawat Pilipino saan mang panig ng mundo,” he added.

Additionally, the senator urged the government to protect and guarantee the safety of every Filipino working abroad.

“Tulungan po natin ang bawat Pilipinong nagsusumikap na magtrabaho sa ibang bansa. Dapat laging nakaantabay sa pag-alalay ang gobyerno. Magsilbi tayong lakas ng bawat isa upang proteksyunan ang kapwa nating Pilipino laban sa abuso at mga nangsasamantala,” the senator said.

The official report on the incident is currently being awaited by the DMW and the DFA. Meanwhile, the son of Jullebee’s employer has already been arrested by Kuwaiti authorities, according to a statement from the DMW.

The DMW also suggested that, in light of the incident, the Philippines’ labor agreement with Kuwait be reviewed in order to better secure Filipinos working abroad in the Gulf state.

The recent incident has prompted some senators to raise important points about how to better protect overseas Filipino workers. During the Senate regular session on Tuesday, January 24, some senators have called on the government to impose a deployment ban in Kuwait.

Go expressed deep disappointment over the unfair treatment of OFWs, saying, “Nakakalungkot dahil sa kabila ng pagsusumikap ng ating mga OFWs sa ibang bansa ay may mga taong tumatapak ng kanilang dignidad.”

He then issued a call to action, urging the Philippine government to collaborate in order to ensure that OFWs’ rights are respected and that they are protected.

“Kaya nga isinulong natin kasama ng ating mga kasamahan ang Department of Migrant Workers sa pangunguna ni Majority Leader Sen. Joel Villanueva,” he added.

Go was one of the authors and co-sponsors of the Senate version of Republic Act 11641 which created the DMW. It is the consolidated version of an earlier measure he filed which sought to create the Department of Overseas Filipino Workers, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of key government services.

The law streamlined the organization and functions of all government agencies related to overseas employment and migration through the creation of the DMW.

The DMW operates as a one-stop shop for both documented and undocumented OFWs, rendering government services from pre-employment to employment and reintegration.

To further ensure the protection of the migrant workers, the DMW is also mandated to regulate private recruitment agencies. In addition, it will work alongside the Department of Justice and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking to investigate, pursue and help prosecute illegal recruitment and human trafficking cases.

Go has always been a staunch advocate for the rights of OFWs in support of the government’s efforts to assist distressed nationals which was a cornerstone of the Duterte administration.