Pinoy nurse murdered in Texas

PEARLAND, Texas - Authorities are now one step closer to finding out the motive for the suspected murder of Filipino nurse Juanario "John" Rosas, after issuing an arrest warrant for 23-year-old Damien Lucas Salinas.

Rosas was found dead inside his bedroom after concerned co-workers reported to police that he missed his scheduled shift last Sunday.

Friends of Rosas said he was killed in a violent attack. Authorities suspect that the killer could be someone he knew, and the crime may not have been random.

Friends and family said Rosas was cheerful and friendly with no known enemies. They are now seeking justice.

"I would like to congratulate the authorities as one of the suspects is now in police custody. However, it is sad to note that one Filipino nurse's American dream was abbreviated by a senseless death," said Zachary Beltran.

In the meantime, 22-year-old Courtney King believed to be the suspect’s girlfriend, was arrested and charged with felony for tampering with evidence and arson.

Reports claim King allegedly tried to eliminate the evidence by attempting to burn Rosas' home. Authorities said the suspects had fled the scene and the fire was contained when police came.

Pearland police warned that Salinas is possibly armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on Salinas’ whereabouts is asked to contact the Pearland Police Department at 291-997-4100 or Brazoria County Crime Stoppers at 979-864-2279.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Nurse accuses embassy official of asking for cut

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino nurse has accused an official of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait of trying get a a percentage from the supposed benefits that the worker would get after a case settlement.

Patrick Singson said he went to the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to seek assistance after an Arab doctor punched him inside the operating room just this year.

“Nagkamali po ako ng hawak doon sa instruction niya then he suddenly punched me twice,” said Singson, who is now back in the Philippines.

Singson said he filed a complaint before the management of the hospital and sought additional support from the embassy but was allegedly turned down.

“Hindi daw po ako entitled because they are only giving it to the domestic helpers,” he said.

Instead, Singson was referred by Daligdig Ibrahim Tanandato, the chief of the Assistance to Nationals unit of the embassy, to another Filipino who introduced himself as a financier to help him in his case.

“You should accept 10,000 KD as a form of settlement. May porsyento na kami doon,” Singson said, quoting Tanandato and the other Pinoy.

However, Tanandato belied the allegations.

“Hindi yan totoo sir. Wala din kaming sinabing porsyento-porsyento. Ang OUMWA (Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs) ang nagsasabi kung ano ang dapat naming gawin,” Tanandato said.

He even added that he fought for the OFW.

“Nakipag-away ako sa legal officer at doon sa human resource manager dahil pinaglalaban ko siya,” he said.

But Singson said he has evidence which he will submit to the Department of Foreign Affairs to prove his allegation agains the embassy official. Report from Henry Omaga-Diaz, ABS-CBN News

source: abs-cbnnews.com