UMINGAN–The relatives of two Pangasinenses who perished in a fire that gutted their boarding house in Macau have appealed to the government for help for the speedy repatriation of their remains.

Alex Natino, 47, husband of Marites Natino from Barangay Cabalitian this town, told The PUNCH Tuesday that he has been spending sleepless nights since the death of his wife last Nov. 12.

Marites, 46, worked as a domestic helper since 2010.

Alex, a farmer, said his wife came home last month and had planned to bring their three children to Macau.

Alex said he went to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration regional office in La Union and was told to wait until proper documentation is completed before the remains could be brought home.

“I hope the government can expedite the process because we would like at least to give her a decent burial,” he said in Pangasinan.

For his part, Fernando Lita, uncle of Paul Angelo Lita who also died in the same boarding house where Marites stayed, made the same appeal to the government.

Paul, 22, from Zone 4, Barangay Poblacion, Villasis, worked as waiter in a restaurant.

Fernando said in a separate phone interview that Paul was scheduled to return home this December for the birthday celebration of his four-year old son and for Christmas.

Fernando initially sought the assistance of the Provincial Employment Service Office in Lingayen town but was told his nephew was undocumented.

Like the Natinos, Fernando said all they want is to have Paul’s cadaver home so the family can bury him.

But when he was told they need US$ 6,000 to bring home Paul’s body, “Where will we get that amount since we have no money?” Fernando asked.  (Tita R. Roces)

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