Filipinos marrying foreign nationals urged to seek counseling 

Filipinos who are married or engaged to foreign nationals should attend the government counseling program to help prepare them navigate through their new environment, the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) said.

The CFO issued the reminder following the tragic case of Marvil Facturan-Kocjan?i?, who was allegedly killed by her Slovenian husband.

The commission said a Guidance and Counseling Program (GCP) is in place, which is "Intended for the welfare and protection of Filipinos marrying foreign nationals."

"Filipinos planning to marry foreign nationals and settle permanently abroad should register and comply with the migration requirements from the CFO as part of their exit clearance from the Philippine immigration," the commission said in a statement.

"These safeguards, which aim to mentally prepare and empower marriage migrants, are designed to help ensure their safety and well-being as they navigate new opportunities and environments," it added.

The GCP provides essential information and tools to help Filipinos prepare for "potential risks and challenges in cross-cultural marriage."

According to CFO, the program also aims to raise awareness about the issues and concerns they might encounter in their destination country, primarily cultural differences, language barriers, domestic violence and human trafficking, how to avoid being a victim, and where to seek assistance.

"While the GCP was not required for outbound tourists, like Marvil, it may have helped," CFO said.

"During the GCP, counselors check whether the foreign spouse of the Filipino has a criminal record or other issues. In some cases, the CFO may recommend further counseling," it added.

On January 11, CFO announced and condemned the death of Marvil, who was reportedly killed in Bled, Slovenia in an incident of domestic violence by her foreign husband.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that it is now working with the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and other concerned agencies to immediately repatriate the body of Marvil after the completion of forensic processes.—LDF, GMA Integrated News