THE Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it is closely monitoring the case of Filipina domestic worker Mary Jean Balag-ey Alberto, who reportedly fell to her death from the 13th floor of a building in Abu Dhabi last October 2.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs said embassy officials in Abu Dhabi assisted the daughter of Alberto in a case conference with UAE authorities conducting an investigation on the case.
“The DFA, through the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, is already in coordination with the family of Ms. Alberto and assured them that the Department is closely monitoring the case,” Arriola said.
Relatives of Alberto had urged the government to look into the circumstances of her death, saying it is impossible for her to go to a foreign country just to kill herself instead of working for her family’s future.
Alberto, who hails from Bontoc, Mountain Province, was separated from her husband, Rodel Alberto of Antipolo, Rizal. They have three children.
Her relatives said they suspect that she was pushed to her death by her Moroccan employer, adding that prior to her death, she sent text messages to her sister who is also working in the same country telling her that she was being maltreated by her employers and not being paid.
“The Department shall respond appropriately once the results of the forensic investigation are released,” she added.
The DFA said the embassy has also taken the services of a lawyer to pursue legal steps in connection with Alberto’s death.
It added that through the coordination of the embassy with the UAE authorities, all of Alberto’s personal belongings have also been officially handed over to her daughter.
“The Department is also extending all assistance necessary in the immediate resolution of the case, as well as in the repatriation of Ms. Alberto’s remains to the Philippines,” Arriola added.