LUTAYAN, Sultan Kudarat — Calls for justice continue to grow following the death of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Sultan Kudarat who was found dead in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, under circumstances that have raised serious concerns among her family, friends, and fellow migrant workers.
The victim was identified as Bai Jasmin Guiaplos, a native of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, who reportedly worked abroad under the agency Confederal Project Manpower Services.
According to several individuals close to Guiaplos, the OFW had allegedly confided before her death that she was being physically abused by her employer. Friends claimed that despite her difficult situation, she continued working abroad in hopes of helping support her family back home.
However, reports later emerged that Guiaplos had died in Makkah, with her employer allegedly claiming that she took her own life.
The incident has sparked outrage online, with fellow OFWs, Moro content creators, and community members demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the real cause of her death.
“We are asking the Philippine Embassy to investigate what truly happened to her and not be swayed by money,” one social media post circulating online stated.
Friends and supporters also appealed to Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, and Malacañang Palace to intervene and ensure justice for the slain OFW.
Many online posts mourning Guiaplos also highlighted the harsh realities faced by many Filipino workers abroad, particularly domestic workers who allegedly endure abuse, exploitation, and neglect while far from their families.
Several netizens lamented that some agencies appear caring and supportive during recruitment in the Philippines, but allegedly become unresponsive once workers abroad begin reporting abuse and hardship.
“OFWs are not robots. They are human beings who get tired, hurt, and afraid. When a worker asks for help, it should never be ignored,” one emotional post read.
Others pointed out that many OFWs allegedly hesitate to report abuse due to fear that their complaints will be dismissed or that they will simply be told to endure the suffering for the sake of their contracts.
Supporters of Guiaplos stressed that many Filipinos leave the country not by choice, but because of the lack of economic opportunities at home. They said migrant workers sacrifice years away from their loved ones just to provide better lives for their families.
A close friend of Guiaplos shared an emotional message online after learning of her death.
“I woke up at 2:25 a.m. and saw posts saying one of our friends was gone. Since then, I could no longer sleep thinking about Bai Jasmin Guiaplos. I still cannot believe she is gone,” the friend wrote.
As of writing, authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the exact circumstances surrounding Guiaplos’ death.
The case has renewed calls for stronger protection mechanisms for OFWs, especially those assigned to vulnerable domestic work positions abroad, where cases of abuse and exploitation continue to be reported.
Families, friends, and advocates are now urging Philippine authorities and concerned agencies to pursue a full investigation and ensure accountability if foul play is proven.