Tragedy has struck the family of Regencia as their long-time Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Romualdo Regencia, an HVAC technician in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was found dead. Now, the family is crying for answers and justice.
Romualdo had spent more than 22 years working in Saudi Arabia, 13 of which were with Alsheera Airconditioning and Energy Ltd. He was reportedly close to retiring and returning home for ever.
According to his brother Enrico O. Regencia, the family was informed by the company’s Pakistani supervisor on May 13 (Philippine time) that Romualdo had been found dead inside his rented accommodation.
Concerns were first raised as early as May 11, when Romualdo stopped answering calls and failed to report for duty—behavior described as highly unusual for a long-tenured employee known to be one of the company’s most trusted workers.
When colleagues eventually checked on him, they discovered Romualdo’s lifeless body bearing visible bruises and discoloration.
The circumstances surrounding his death have left the family with more questions than answers. They are questioning the apparent negligence of the company’s supervisors and coordinators, saying no immediate action was taken to check on Romualdo even after he had been unresponsive and absent from work.
“Baka may kinalaman po ito sa pera o sa inggit, dahil malaki na po ang tiwala sa kanya ng kumpanya,” Enrico said.
In a Facebook post, the group OFW Heart of Asia expressed condolences and relayed the family’s suspicions.
“Nakikiramay po kami sa pamilya ni Romualdo Regencia, isang OFW sa Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at residente ng Tacloban, Leyte. Natanggap namin ang balita mula sa kanyang asawa na natagpuan siyang patay at nakahandusay sa kanyang tinutuluyan,” the group said.
OFW Heart of Asia added that the family strongly suspects foul play and is appealing for justice and the immediate repatriation of Romualdo’s remains.
At present, Romualdo’s body remains at a morgue in Saudi Arabia, while authorities there continue to investigate the incident.
The Regencia family is coordinating with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for assistance and is calling on concerned agencies to step in, uncover the entire truth behind his death, and help bring his remains back to the Philippines.
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