DOLE to start repatriating remains of 267 Saudi OFWs this week

The number includes 180 Filipinos who died due to either natural causes, disease or accidents, and 87 others who died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). (Pexels photo)

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday said it is hoping to start the repatriation of the remains of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have died due to several causes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) this week.

“Hopefully this week, we will start the repatriation. The total number of bodies that have not been buried is 267,” said Alice Visperas, director of the DOLE’s International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), in a text message.

The number includes 180 Filipinos who died due to either natural causes, disease or accidents, and 87 others who died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Meanwhile, 20 Filipinos who also died due to Covid-19 have been buried in the kingdom.

She added that the families of the deceased OFWs have been informed about the fate of their loved ones.

On Monday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said he had met with Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the Philippines Abdullah Al Bussairy who assured him that the bodies of the deceased OFWs are intact and promised to help bring home the remains.