The Serafica family in Mangaldan, Pangasinan struggles to bring home the remains of 53-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Ronaldo Serafica who died in Saudi Arabia on December 29, 2024 after suffering from a heart attack two months earlier.

“Tulungan po ninyo kami na maiuwi ang anak ko dito at makita ko ang bangkay ng anak ko,” is the plea of Serafica’s mother, Linda Serafica.

The family is facing hurdles in completing the necessary paperwork.

While most documents have been prepared, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) still requires an authorization letter and valid ID from Ronaldo’s estranged wife.

This has complicated the process, as the couple had been separated for over two decades.

“Sana tanggapin na nila [ng DMW] ang letter, kasi matagal nang hiwalay ang anak ko sa asawa niya… wala na silang pakialam sa anak ko… isa pa, anak ko ang namatay,” Linda said.

The Migrant Desk Office of Mangaldan is now assisting the Serafica family in coordinating with DMW Region 1 to expedite the process.

“Ina-assist natin sila para mapabilis ang pag-uwi sa bangkay,” Ernie Cuison, the Migrant Desk Officer, said.

The local government has reached out to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide financial assistance to the bereaved family.

The Serafica family remains hopeful that Ronaldo’s remains will be returned home so they can grieve and honor his memory.