By Marita Moaje

(PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is extending assistance to the families of two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were held hostage and killed by their employer in Beirut, Lebanon on April 15.

“The victims, both long-time household service workers in the residence, were fatally shot during the incident. The employer has been arrested and is currently under police custody pending formal charges,” the DMW said in a social media post on Tuesday.

Following the incident, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has directed Undersecretaries Bernard Olalia and Felicitas Bay to personally visit the bereaved families and assure them of government support.

The DMW assured that its Migrant Workers Office, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon, is working closely with Lebanese authorities to monitor the investigation and ensure the filing of appropriate charges.

“The Philippine government remains committed to securing justice for the victims and providing continued assistance to their families, including repatriation and access to benefits,” the DMW said. (PNA)