OWWA aids OFW mom in Silay attack

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration extended assistance to the overseas Filipino worker mother of three siblings who were attacked at their home in Silay City, Negros Occidental, over the weekend, leaving one dead.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan met with the mother, Ronelyn, in Silay City on Tuesday and provided financial and livelihood assistance under the agency’s reintegration program following her repatriation from Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Ronelyn’s employer covered the cost of her plane ticket, while OWWA facilitated assistance upon her arrival in the Philippines.

She went straight to the hospital to visit her two children, who are recuperating from their injuries.

Caunan said Ronelyn told her she does not need money, but justice for her three children.

Caunan said OWWA understands her sentiment and assured the family of continued welfare support during this difficult time.

Caunan also visited the two survivors at the hospital and later went to the wake of the 9-year-old victim at their residence in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, where she met the children’s father and other relatives.

In a Facebook post, Ronelyn expressed anguish over the incident, saying the perpetrator remains at large.

“Maski mag 100 pa guro ang witness niyo, wala man gihapon hustisya ang mga bata ko. Ga pakig-away sa kamatayon, samtang ang criminal gapangalipay,” she wrote.

Police earlier said they have identified persons of interest, but witness accounts are considered circumstantial and investigators need stronger evidence to build a solid case.

Authorities said statements from the two surviving children are crucial to the ongoing investigation.

Police reported that the three children were alone at home when an unidentified assailant struck them on the head with a stone, killing the 9-year-old girl.

Her 14-year-old sister and 4-year-old brother are recovering in a hospital in Bacolod City.

Their father discovered the incident shortly before noon on Feb. 7 when he arrived home.

A Special Investigation Task Group has been formed to focus on the case, and a PHP 100,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Ronelyn remembered her 9-year-old daughter as the most understanding among her four children and shared a video of her dancing, recalling her dream of becoming a nurse.

“Sakit-sakit gid batunon nga wala ka na. Palangga-palangga ta gid ka,” she said.

She said her homecoming was meant to be joyful, but instead brought overwhelming grief over the loss of her child.

She added that she continues to pray for the recovery of her two surviving children and for strength to endure the tragedy.