On the day rape-murder victim Jullebee Ranara was laid to rest, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured overseas Filipino workers and their families that the government will take care of them.
In his latest vlog Sunday, Marcos said his administration will do its best to reward the sacrifice of today’s “modern heroes.”
“The only thing that I could do to your incomparable contribution to our society is to ensure your protection, as well as the families that you left in our country,” he said.
The 35-year-old Ranara’s remains were found in the desert in Kuwait weeks back — murdered and burned allegedly by the 17-year-old son of her employer.
Marcos recently visited Ranara’s wake in Las Piñas City, promising his loved ones government’s full support, including the provision of a house for them in a location of their choice.
The President assured OFWs and their families that various government agencies had been tasked to look after their welfare. He added that he met with diplomats recently on matters concerning Filipinos in their respective countries.
Mr. Marcos said his administration will focus on improving the country’s economy, and generating more jobs “so that no Filipino will ever need to leave the country” to find means to live and support his or her loved ones.
“What we need is to give them decent jobs — the reason why they left,” he said. “If we are able to improve our economy and strengthen it, I think the Philippines will once again become attractive not only to foreigners but also to returning Filipinos.”
Goodbyes said
In Las Piñas, family members gave Ranara an emotional farewell as she was laid to her final resting place at the Golden Haven Memorial Park with officials of the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in attendance.
“Even if we’re struggling, as long as we’re together. This is the one thing that we could do for her as a sibling, a mother of four children, and a good friend,” a loved one said.
OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio told reporters that the government will move to give Ranara justice. She was reportedly pregnant when she was killed.
“OWWA will be fully supporting the steps of the DMW, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the whole government,” he said.
Ranara’s remains arrived in the country on 27 January. The National Bureau of Investigation has yet to release the result of her autopsy.
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