An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), identified as Wilma Auza, was recently discovered lifeless aboard a bus bound for Dumaguete — initially mistaken for sleeping by fellow passengers. The tragedy unfolded amid murmurs of speculation until Sen. Raffy Tulfo brought clarity to what had remained ambiguous.

According to a report from PhilstarLife, Wilma collapsed silently during her journey home after completing her contract abroad in Kuwait. Fellow passengers, unaware of her grave condition, assumed she was merely asleep. It wasn’t until they reached the terminal that they realized something was terribly wrong — she had passed away. Medical responders confirmed she had succumbed to an apparent cardiac arrest.

Sen. Tulfo, known for his hands-on public service, promptly intervened. He committed to holding the bus company accountable if any lapse or negligence contributed to Wilma’s death. The Office of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) also issued a statement, expressing condolences and assuring the bereaved family of ongoing support and assistance.

This unfortunate incident underscores the vulnerability many OFWs face—returning home at their most vulnerable, often traveling alone, and depending on safe and reliable transportation. The silence of the road became Wilma’s final quiet, but her story has sparked a call for stricter safety measures and stronger accountability.

A deeper investigation is underway. Authorities plan to verify whether any medical care, emergency response, or procedural negligence occurred during the journey. Filipino communities and advocates now urge transport agencies to honor the memories of OFWs like Wilma by revisiting safety standards and emergency protocols. In the meantime, the national conversation has shifted — from tragedy to the urgent pursuit of justice and protection for those who toil far from home.