The family of Wilma Auza at her wake in the Philippines on August 7, 2025. OWWA

The grieving family of Wilma Auza, a Filipina overseas worker who died on a bus trip just hours after returning to the country, received assistance on Thursday (August 7) from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). OWWA representatives from the Regional Welfare Office visited Auza’s home in Barangay San Isidoro, Manjuyod, where her wake is currently being held. “OWWA extends its heartfelt condolences and stands with the family in this time of sorrow,” the agency said. “During the visit, we also assessed their situation to determine the support needed, in line with our mandate to assist OFW families in times of crisis,” OWWA added in a statement in Filipino. The aid package includes financial support, as well as guidance on further benefits the family may be eligible for. Wilma Auza, 41, had just arrived in the Philippines after flying in from Nagoya, Japan on August 3. She was on her way to surprise her family in Negros Oriental when she suffered a fatal acute ischemic attack or a heart attack while on board a Ceres Bus from Cebu to Dumaguete on August 4. Police and witnesses confirmed that she was found slumped and unresponsive in her seat before the bus reached Sibulan town. A passenger, Fretz Deposoy, recalled that Wilma had vomited earlier during the ride, but no one expected the worst. “When we reached Bato, she looked like she was sleeping. But before we got to Sibulan, the conductor checked and found she had no pulse. When I checked, her body was already cold,” Deposoy said in Filipino. She was declared dead at the scene by Dr. Dave Luke Montenegro.

Documents showed Kuwait connection

Among Wilma’s belongings, police recovered P17,000 in cash, a Philippine passport, and a Kuwait Civil ID, which expired on December 20, 2024. The ID suggests that she had recently lived or worked in Kuwait. Although her confirmed flight was from Japan, her family said she likely traveled from Kuwait to Japan, then flew into Manila, and proceeded to Cebu, where she took the bus to Negros Oriental. “Condolence to the immediate family of my sister-in-law Wilma Auza who passed away this morning due to cardiac arrest while on board a Ceres Bus going home Dumaguete City,” her sister-in-law, Miles Auza, posted online. News and videos of the incident quickly spread on social media, drawing condolences and sparking discussion about the need for better health checks for long-distance travelers, especially returning OFWs. Many described Wilma’s death as heartbreaking, noting that she had survived years of working overseas—only to pass away while finally heading home. ICA/CAM/Expat Media
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