Another heartbreaking and tragic news today, dear viewers. Another OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker), who had just returned home to the Philippines in Gimba, Nueva Ecija, was brutally murdered by none other than her own husband.

This OFW had come home hoping to rest, but the rest she longed for turned out to be eternal rest. A devastating tragedy rocked Barangay Bagong Barrio in Gimba, Nueva Ecija, when a man brutally killed his wife, who had just arrived from Saudi Arabia.

The victim was identified as 34-year-old Zinel Joy Pagaling, an OFW who had only been back in the country for four days after arriving from Riyadh. Zinel was mercilessly killed by her own husband Manuel Diaz Mendoza, a 40-year-old resident of Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija, while inside their home, helpless, and in front of their three children.

According to reports, the suspect had prepared the screwdriver he used in the crime before repeatedly stabbing Zinel in the chest and side until she died. The most painful part? The horrific act happened right in front of their children, who could do nothing but scream and beg their father to stop hurting and stabbing their mother.

But the father ignored the cries of his children and continued his violent attack. Zinel was known to be a kind and responsible mother. She had made the painful decision to leave her children in the Philippines and work abroad to give them a better life and meet their needs.

Unbeknownst to many, Zinel had left her husband because of his alleged vices. He was said to be addicted to various things and failed to provide for the family. That is why she decided to leave him behind. Zinel thought that walking away would bring her peace — but it turned out her husband would be the very person who would lead her to danger, and eventually, to her death.

Based on the stab wounds, authorities believe the crime was premeditated. After the incident, the ₱100,000 cash Zinel had brought from abroad also went missing. Witnesses claimed to have seen a man on a motorcycle leaving the scene, and the house was in disarray, with her wallet nowhere to be found.

Zinel’s mother strongly believes that the murder was planned. While at the police station, the suspect was reportedly heard on the phone, possibly coordinating the theft of the money. Because of this, Zinel’s family is now demanding justice and calling for help from agencies that support OFWs.

As Zinel was an OFW, her family is calling on the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other related government agencies to help bring justice to her brutal and untimely death.

The family issued this public plea:
“We are here now at the home of Zinel Joy Pagaling’s parents. She was an OFW who had just returned home. But just days after her return, this tragic event occurred. Zinel, or Joy, is now laid to rest — murdered by her husband who is now behind bars. Her mother, Nanay Perle, is crying out for justice. What her husband did was truly unjust. Joy had already separated from him because of his vices. She was stabbed with a sharp object multiple times. She was only 34 years old and still so young. Her family is crying for justice — not only for the murder but also for the planned theft of her hard-earned money.”

They are also seeking assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers, OWWA, and other government institutions. In times like this, it’s heartbreaking to realize how difficult it is to find a truly loving and supportive partner — someone who should be your teammate in life, your partner in solving problems — and yet, in Zinel’s case, her partner became the very person who led her to her death.

This heartbreaking incident leaves behind her three children. Who will care for them now? Zinel was a mother who wanted nothing more than to give her kids a better life. She sacrificed everything — endured loneliness and exhaustion in a foreign land — just to earn money and provide for them.

But now what? How will these children grow up without their mother? A mother who worked herself to the bone just to give her kids the life they deserve. Because of this brutal crime, everything is shattered.

The family is appealing to OWWA to support Zinel’s children, especially financially, so they can continue their studies and eventually graduate. We hope this plea reaches the right people and agencies.