Pinay’s death in HK: Suicide or foul play?
Hong Kong authorities has yet to determine whether it was suicide or if there was foul play involved in the death of a 47-year-old Filipino household service worker (HSW) who fell from a building in the Sha Tin District last week.
In a press briefing, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Charles Jose reported that the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong is in touch with a relative of the deceased living in Hong Kong.
Jose said the Consulate was also present when the police identified the body in the mortuary.
He added that although the autopsy began last Aug 21, the issuance of the results will take a while.
Nevertheless, the Coroner is expected to release clearance for the immediate repatriation of the remains of the Filipino.
According to Jose, the employer of the deceased already offered to shoulder the repatriation expenses as well as the fare of any immediate family member who wish to go to Hong Kong to accompany the return of the remains to the Philippines.
“The Consulate has already spoken to the son of the Filipina,” said Jose. “The family however has not decided yet who will go to Hong Kong.
He said compensation to the family of the dead HSW is something being looked into by the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Prior to her death, the Filipino woman who was identified in media reports only as Rimando was dismissed by her employer after a female visitor accused her of stealing something from her handbag.
Police were summoned but left after failing to find any evidence and the visitor could not say what was missing from her bag.
The employer later sacked Rimando and ordered her to pack up her belongings.
The Filipino HSW went to her room but was later found sprawled on the ground floor. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead.