OWWA and DFA alerted to extend help to slain OFW in Iran

>> Friday, July 9, 2010

The body of dead migrant worker Mark Lloyd Carmen is still in Iran and awaiting help from the OWWA and the DFA for his remains to be flown back home. Iranian authorities are also urged to conduct an autopsy on the body. Details here:

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - A Filipino migrant worker was stabbed dead on July 1 by a Sudanese national in an undisclosed location on Kish Island, Iran, a migrant worker group said Friday.

The victim, Mark Lloyd Carmen, 24, was "waiting for the issuance of his reentry visa to the United Arab Emirates when he was killed," according to the Riyadh-based OFW group Migrante-Middle East (M-ME).

Citing reports from OFWs who witnessed the incident, John Leonard Monterona, M-ME regional coordinator, told the Inquirer "a companion of the killer had challenged Carmen to a fistfight."

Carmen "ignored the suspect who later slapped him several times, prompting him to fight back. Suddenly, another Sudanese national pulled a knife and stabbed (Carmen) on the chest."

The victim was "rushed by fellow OFWs to the Kish Hospital but was declared dead on arrival at around 8 p.m.," said Monterona in an e-mail to the Inquirer.

Carmen's remains have yet to be repatriated to the Philippines, according to Monterona.

"His wife and two children are currently based in General Santos City. We are trying to get in touch with them, as well as his close relatives in the UAE so that we would provide them the necessary assistance and guidance," said Monterona.

M-ME plans to "ask the victim's family to issue a statement authorizing (Iranian authorities) to conduct an autopsy on his remains."

"The autopsy report would be used as evidence in the criminal case to be filed against the two suspects," who have been detained by the Iranian police, said Monterona.

Monterona called on the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) on Friday to assist Carmen's family for the repatriation of his remains to Manila.

He also asked OWWA to "provide (Carmen's family) the financial assistance due them."

At the same time, Monterona urged the Aquino administration to "address the deplorable plight of many OFWs, including the undocumented ones and victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking."

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