Grief struck an Iloilo City family on New Year’s Eve.
Instead of welcoming the new year with hope, they received devastating news — their loved one had died thousands of miles away.
Mary Jill Muya, 44, an overseas Filipino worker from Barangay Cubay, Jaro, Iloilo City, was found dead inside her room in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on December 31, 2025.
She had spent nearly 20 years working in Abu Dhabi to support her family back home.
“She Never Came Out of Her Room”
According to Muya’s son, who asked to be identified only as “Boy,” his mother was last seen early Sunday morning.
“Six hours pa lang daw,” he said.
“Last siyang nakita bandang 3:30 ng madaling araw. Mula noon, hindi na siya lumabas ng silid niya.”
Just hours later, she was found lifeless.
A Sudden Loss That Raises Questions
What troubles the family most is how unexpected her death was.
They say Muya never mentioned any problems at work. She stayed in touch regularly — checking in, sending messages, and reassuring them she was fine.
That’s why the news felt impossible to accept.
“Sa pagkakakilala ko sa kanya, hindi niya talaga magagawa ’yun,” her son said.
“Kaya nagdududa kami. May foul play talaga. Gusto naming maimbestigahan.”
The family believes something is not right — and they want answers.
Calling for Justice and Repatriation
Beyond bringing Muya’s remains home, her family is asking for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
They want the truth — not just closure.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 6 declined an on-camera interview with GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas, but confirmed that they have already coordinated with the family.
As of late Wednesday morning, documents for Muya’s repatriation were still being processed.
OWWA records also show that Muya had not renewed her membership since 2022.
Waiting for the Truth
Regarding the family’s claims of possible foul play, OWWA said the matter is now in the hands of authorities tasked to conduct a proper investigation.
For Muya’s family, however, the waiting is painful.
They lost a mother.
A breadwinner.
A woman who gave two decades of her life working far from home.
Now, all they ask is this — the truth.
