By Vir B. Lumicao
A domestic helper from Tagbilaran City in Bohol died on Jan 20, after she collapsed while cleaning the car of her employer in Shatin, according to reports.
The victim, identified as Elma Balatero, 43, was found lying unconscious at the car parking lot of Wo Che Estate at 7:49am, an officer of the Consulate’s assistance to nationals section told The SUN.
ATN officer Hermogenes Cayabyab Jr. said the victim’s elder son, who is 22 years old, was to arrive in Hong Kong to arrange the repatriation of his mother. Balatero’s employers reportedly paid for the son’s travel.
The dead woman had another son, who is 21 years old.
The employers, a young Hong Kong couple, had reportedly been distraught over the death of Balatero, who had served them for several years.
A friend of Balatero confirmed this, saying the deceased was treated very well by her employers.
She rebuffed comments posted on social media that the deceased was starved and overworked by her employers.
“She is not overworked. Her employers were very kind to her,” the friend had posted.
ATN is working on the repatriation of the remains while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will process the family’s funeral and death benefits.
Police told The SUN the maid was cleaning a car when she collapsed. People at the carpark who saw her lying unconscious beside a bucket and her cleaning gear called an ambulance.
Police said paramedics who arrived at the scene rushed her to Prince of Wales Hospital but she was certified dead after arrival.