JEDDAH — A Filipino worker in Jeddah collapsed and breathed his last while talking to his wife on the phone inside a convenient store early this month.
The OFW, identified as Arnel Casilie, was a cook in a restaurant on Tahliya Street.
He died of cardiac arrest on March 8, his colleague said.
Talking to Saudi Gazette, Casilie's colleagues said they were all shocked by his sudden death.
Ronald Luna, one of Casilie's coworker, said he and others rushed to the store to move Casilie to a hospital but it was too late. "Casilie was already dead by then," he said.
Alex, a Filipino working in the convenient store who witnessed the incident, said he immediately called the authorities for help when he saw Casilie falling down.
“I could not believe seeing somebody died in front of me and the worst is he was talking to his wife on an overseas call at that time,” Alex said.
Luna said Casilie was already sick and was suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes at the time of his death.
Days before his death, Luna recalled, Casilie was complaining of body pain while cooking.
According to him they advised Casilie to take a day-off and seek medical check-up.
“I think he did not go to the hospital. It was really sad to lose one of our colleagues who worked with us for a long time,” said Luna.
Saudi Gazette learned that Cailie hass been working in the restaurant for 17 years.
Philippine Consul General Uriel Norman Garibay felt sad over the incident and reiterated his advise to all Filipinos to take great care of their health.
“Life is precious. We should take good care of it. A regular medical check-up is very important, exercise regularly and eat healthy food. Remember our families back home. They are always waiting for our safe return,” Garibay said.
