Abu Dhabi—The death of 32-year-old Filipino nurse Reyna Jane Ancheta, who was found deceased on a highway in Abu Dhabi after being reported missing for three days, is currently under investigation, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced during a news forum in Quezon City that the Philippine government is arranging for her husband, Kenneth Paul, to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to closely monitor the ongoing investigation. The government aims to ensure transparency and support the family until Ancheta’s remains can be repatriated.
Ancheta, who left behind a 12-year-old son and a seven-year-old daughter, was reported missing since October 6. Her husband expressed concerns over her safety in previous conversations, noting that she felt unsafe walking back to her dormitory at night. “I don’t have details as of now as we are also waiting. I don’t want to preempt the results of the UAE authorities,” Cacdac stated, emphasizing the need for a thorough and unhurried investigation.
Further complicating the grief of the family, Kenneth Paul revealed in an interview with GMA News that initial reports from Ancheta’s agency suggested she died in a car accident, raising fears of a possible cover-up. The UAE-based Khaleej Times reported that Ancheta had started working at Al Raiaa Home Health Care in August after previously working in Saudi Arabia. Her last known contact was after her shift on October 5, and she failed to show up for her scheduled duty the following day.
Ronald Gamiao, president of the Filipino Nurses Association in the Emirates, expressed the community’s sorrow over the loss and confirmed coordination between Ancheta’s employer and Philippine government officials to address the incident. “Our deepest condolences to her family. We were able to reach out to our MWO (Migrant Workers Office) in Abu Dhabi, and they are handling this matter,” said Gamiao.
The investigation into the exact circumstances of Ancheta’s death continues as her family, friends, and colleagues await answers.