Immediate repatriation was given to the remains of the Overseas Filipino Worker in Dubai who expired due to cardiac arrest last September 27.
Ma. Monica Manuel, 27, was diagnosed by doctors in Dubai with stage 4 liver cancer just in August this year. The Filipina was employed at a ladies’ salon. She was staying in the country for five years.
Kin of Monica in Lubao, Pampanga is thankful to the Philippine officials for the fast repatriation of the victim as well as for settling the hospital bill which already amounted to PhP1 million.
“Maraming salamat po. We are very thankful sa government, particularly sa Embassy, sa Consulate at sa OWWA, kay Sen. Bong Go, sa mga kaibigan nya na tumulong talaga para mapabilisang pag-uwi ng aking anak,” says the victim’s mother, Rita.
According to Rita, Monica suffered cold and flu last July. Soon after, the ordinary sickness that she had turned into something more serious.
Image Credit/Filipino Times
“When we chat nung August, sabinya ma’ meron parin akong ubo at sipon. Then nilagnat na sya. Umiiyak na ako sabi ko umuwi kana para mapatingnan ka namin dito,” says Rita. “Sabi nya oo ma’, tatapusin kolang ang kontrata ko hanggang November 11 para makuha ko ang gratuity ko,” she added.
By August, the OFW started to feel pain in her upper right abdomen. Her mother advised Monica to seek professional help.
“To cut the story short, nagpa ultrasound sya… Ang sabi ng doctor may nakitang mass sa left lobe of her liver. Ang laki nya was 12.9 X 9.2 cm. So, it was almost the size of a tennis ball sabi rin ng doctor nakinunsulta ko dito sa amin nung pinakita ko yung results for a second opinion,” she confirmed.
By the second week of September, the Filipina was confined to another hospital due to asthma and weak immune system. She was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a couple of days. Her body then started to deteriorate.
Rita felt helpless as they were apart while her daughter fights for her life. She wanted to go to Dubai but couldn’t easily do so.
The remains of Monica arrived at the Clark International Airport on October 2.
