OFW commits suicide in Dubai

A 34-year-old Filipino overseas worker allegedly took his own life in Dubai reportedly due to debt and desperation.

Reports said Romulo Cañada allegedly committed suicide on the day that he and his roommate were supposed to vacate their rented room.

Cañada’s friend and roommate Danny Jones Regencia said that in the past three days, he noticed that the OFW looked bothered and deeply worried.

"Parang depressed siya. Then, sinasabi niya sa akin may utang siya sa credit card niya, kailangan niyang mabayaran. Tapos may loan siya,” said Regencia.

Cañada had been working in Dubai for two years but reportedly failed pay his debts in the Philippines. It was also alleged that he owed his company and friends some money.

"Disturbed talaga ‘yong mind niya for that three days. Minsan hindi na siya tumitingin sa akin ng diretsohan. Minsan pagdating ko sa bahay tulog na siya,” Regencia said.

Deep in debt, Cañada reportedly also worried about the ultimatum given to them by their landlord. It was learned that the room rented out by the OFWs was illegal because only people who are related to each other were allowed to stay in the villa.

This reportedly prompted them to move out of the house. However, Cañada allegedly pleaded to remain in the room because he had no money to pay for a new one.

"Nakiusap sa tenant na dito na siya tumira pero di na nga puwede kasi wala na ilaw, wala nang tubig. Nalaman na lang namin na dito na siya nagpakamatay sa bahay,” Regencia said.

A native of Calamba in Laguna, Cañada worked as warehouse assistant in a company. Regencia said Cañada was also supporting the studies of his girlfriend back home.

Regencia is saddened by his friend’s death but lamented Cañada’s alleged decision to take his own life.

"Hindi tularan ‘yong desisyon niyang magpakamatay dahil hindi naman sa atin ang buhay, galing sa ating Panginoon," he said.

Regencia also has a message to landlords "sa mga tenant lalo na sa kapwa Pilipino, nakita man ninyo ‘yong kababayan nating naghihirap hindi makabayad ng bahay, sana nagbigay kayo ng pagkakataon para makabayad ‘yong tao. Hindi ultimatum kaagad. Paalisin kami na parang aso,” he said. Report from Rachel Salinel, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau

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