ACTS-OFW Party-list Rep. John Bertiz III has strongly condemned the death of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Australia



March 22, 2019

By

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco

People's Journal

ACTS-OFW Party-list Rep. John Bertiz III has strongly condemned the death of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Australia as he vowed to help the bereaved relatives to know the truth and seek justice for the death of their family member.

Jerwin Royupa, 21, left his hometown in Calasiao, Pangasinan to work on a farm in Australia last February.
The relatives recently found out  that Royupa was having problems with his employer, who allegedly  took his passport.
The solon was told Royupa was supposed to go back to the Philippines this March.
However, the family was later told by the employer that Royupa had died after jumping off  a moving vehicle.
The  employer told the family that Royupa died from bleeding in the head, chest, and abdomen.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family of Jerwin Royupa and we will work closely with concerned agencies and the government of Australia to personally find out what really happened to Jerwin while he was working there,” Bertiz said.
The solon said he will get in touch with Royupa’s relatives in the Philippines to gather more information and provide assistance.
Royupa’s family said they find the employer’s story unconvincing because there is no reason for Jerwin to hurt himself because he is supposed to return home days before the accident happened.
“The family has already casted doubt over the alleged cause of Jerwin’s death, but we will immediately recommend this case to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Overseas Workers Welfare Organization so they can also investigate,” Bertiz said.
“Unfortunately, cases such as Jerwin’s are not new to OFWs. Many of our migrant workers are dealing with harsh working conditions and it is our job as OFW advocates to make sure that our modern-day heroes are being treated fairly,” he said.
According to Bertiz, they will assist Royupa’s family in filing appropriate charges against the employer and promised to personally look into the investigation to give justice to Royupa’s death.
“The ACTS-OFW Partylist has always been here to help our OFWs and their loved ones in everything they need for their well-being. Rest assured that we will get to the bottom of this case and help Jerwin’s family in every step of the way,” Bertiz stressed.

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