Tragic End for Overseas Filipino Worker: Dafnie Nacalaban's Heartbreaking Story
In what was supposed to be a joyous reunion turned into a tragic loss, the Nacalaban family is mourning the death of their beloved sister, Dafnie Nacalaban, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Kuwait.
Dafnie Nacalaban had promised her family a surprise return home in December. Her sister, Michael Nacalaban Lensahan, shared that during their last conversation in May 2024, Dafnie did not hint at any problems and simply told them, “I will surprise you in December.” Tragically, this surprise turned into a nightmare when Dafnie went missing for two months, only to be found decomposing in her employer's backyard.
Michael recounted how they eagerly anticipated her sister’s return, but instead received the devastating news of her demise. “Tinatanong namin siya kailan talaga uwi niya. Sabi niya, ‘Basta i-surprise ko kayo sa December.’ Ito pala yung surprise niya,” she said, heartbroken. (We asked her when she planned to come home. She said, ‘I will surprise you in December.’ It turns out that this was her surprise.)
Michael added that their last conversation showed no signs of distress, leaving the family puzzled and hurt by the tragic outcome. “Opo, balak po talaga na itago po [ang insidente]. Ang hiling lang po namin sana makauwi yung kapatid namin tapos mabigyan po ng hustisya kung ano ang talagang nangyari sa kaniya. Bakit po ganun ang ginawa sa kaniya?” (Yes, they planned on hiding [this incident]. Our only wish is that our sister can come home and that she can be given justice for whatever happened to her. Why did they do that to her?)
The Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega revealed that it was the suspect’s sibling who reported the incident, leading to the discovery of Dafnie’s body. The police investigation found her body in an advanced state of decomposition in her employer’s backyard, indicating she had been dead for almost two months.
The suspect, who already had a previous criminal record, has been detained. “Yung kapatid mismo ng suspect sinabihan yung pulis. Ininvestigate nung pulis. Nakita ng pulis sa bahay yung bangkay, advanced state of decomposition, mag da-dalawang buwan na,” de Vega stated. (The sibling of the suspect was the one who informed the police. The police investigated. They saw the body in an advanced state of decomposition for the past two months at the house.)
The government has assured the public that they will seek justice for Dafnie. “We assure the public that the government will do what it can to seek justice. Malungkot na nangyari ito, katapusan ng taon,” de Vega added. (It’s sad that this happened at the end of the year.)
This tragic incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by Overseas Filipino Workers. It is a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections and support systems for those who sacrifice so much to provide for their families. The Nacalaban family's hope is for justice to be served and for Dafnie’s memory to be honored by ensuring no other family has to endure such heartache.
