OFW Jelyn Arguzon's remains repatriated; family eyes autopsy

The remains of Jelyn Arguzon, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who reportedly died of natural causes in Saudi Arabia, were repatriated Tuesday, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio received Arguzon's body upon arrival, along with Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Deputy Administrator Mary Melanie Quiño.

In a statement, OWWA said Ignacio has vowed assistance to Arguzon's family in transporting her remains from airport to their home province of Aurora, as directed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Arguzon was deployed to Saudi Arabia for work on June 16, but she reported mistreatment by her employers a week later. By June 28, her family could no longer reach her, prompting them to seek OWWA's assistance on July 19.

Arguzon was confirmed dead on July 29. Cacdac earlier said based on autopsy results, she died of natural causes.

OWWA said Arguzon's family wants another autopsy done on her body in the Philippines to determine the real cause of her death. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said they will ask the Saudi Arabian government to file charges against Arguzon’s employer if ever there is sufficient evidence of foul play. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/KBK, GMA Integrated News