A FILIPINO migrant worker who went missing for four days in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was found dead in what authorities described as a hit-and-run incident.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) identified the victim as Juljirri Aggong, an office and facility cleaner who had been working in Riyadh for six months.
The incident reportedly took place on June 11 at 12:31 p.m. along King Salman Eastbound Road, at a non-designated pedestrian crossing.
“Na-hit-and-run siya ng kotse. And that caused fatal injuries… ‘Yung reported incident is June 11,” said OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. She added that the vehicle involved had already been identified, including its license plate and the name of the driver.
OWWA said it is coordinating with local authorities to secure CCTV footage of the incident and has engaged a lawyer in Riyadh to assist in the case.
The victim’s family, however, remains doubtful and is calling for a thorough investigation. “Hustisya lang po. ‘Yan lang po yung panawagan namin. Hindi po ito pwedeng maging kwento lang na walang hustisya,” said Mhaie Aggong, a cousin of the deceased.
“Marami pa po tayong mga kababayan doon. Pag hindi po ito inaksyunan lang, sigurado may susunod pa,” Mhaie added.
Aggong, who hailed from Jolo, Sulu, was the eldest among his siblings. His family said he was kind-hearted and had gone abroad to help them financially.
His body will be laid to rest in Riyadh in accordance with Muslim tradition. OWWA said it would ensure that legal remedies are pursued and that the family receives full support.