An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), Dafnie Nacalaban, was set to surprise her family with a long-awaited homecoming in December, but her life was tragically cut short before she could fulfill that promise. Dafnie’s lifeless body was discovered decomposing in the backyard of her employer’s residence in Kuwait, after she had been missing for two months.
Her sister, Michael Nacalaban Lensahan, shared the heartbreaking news, revealing the last conversation they had in May 2024. “We kept asking her when she was coming home. She told us, ‘I’ll surprise you in December.’ This was supposed to be her surprise,” Michael said through tears.
She went on to express their shock and grief, saying, “We didn’t know she had any problems. We just wanted her to come home safely and get justice for what happened to her.”
In an emotional appeal, Michael questioned why her sister was treated in such a horrific manner and pleaded for justice.
The tragic discovery was brought to light when the suspect’s sibling alerted authorities to the situation. According to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the sibling’s report led police to investigate the employer’s house. “The police found the body in an advanced state of decomposition, nearly two months after her disappearance,” de Vega confirmed.
The suspect, who has a prior criminal history, has been taken into custody, and the case is under investigation. “The government will do everything it can to seek justice for Dafnie,” said de Vega. “It is a sad and tragic end to the year.”
The DFA has vowed to continue assisting the Nacalaban family and ensure justice for the life lost far from home.
