The money raised by Laoeng’s girlfriend, Melycia Marquez, should be for the family of Laoeng in the Philippines, Buniag added.
Citing his initial talks with the CNMI Department of Labor, Buniag said Matson Consulting, Laoeng’s last employer, is responsible for the repatriation cost.
But William Matson, owner of Matson Consulting, said Laoeng’s contract expired on March 27, 2010.
After the expiration of the contract, Matson said he tried to repatriate Laoeng but the guest worker refused.
He said he could not compel Laoeng to leave because the CNMI government provided the guest worker with an umbrella permit, which would not expire until Nov. 2011.
Matson learned that prior to Leong’s death, he was working illegally and had no contract as a part-time employee of a local resident on Saipan.
Laoeng, 60, died of cardiac arrest on Oct. 9 while installing a tombstone marker at the Chalan Kanoa cemetery.
For repatriation only
Marites Aquino Castillo, Friends of the Mariana Islands president, said community members were very supportive of the fund drive.
She has been authorized by Laoeng’s family to accept donations for his remains’ repatriation to the Philippines.
She said the fundraising will continue until a sufficient amount of money is generated.
Yesterday, she said the National Office Supply gave $200. Last week, they collected $234.
Castillo said Michael Stroh, Laoeng’s son-in-law in the U.S., sent $1,000.
The other donors are Violy Castillo and Jun Flores and other community members.
She said the girlfriend of Laoeng, Melycia Marquez, already collected $1,800 in cash donations.
They need $3,600 for the repatriation expenses.
Based on the letter of Stroh, all donations will be used for repatriation expenses and not for the family.
“They are not asking donations for the family,” Castillo said.
She said they are also asking the Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to release the death benefits of Laoeng so they can be used for the repatriation expenses.
Bunag said he learned that Laoeng didn’t receive his stimulus check from the federal government.
Castillo said they received the check, which was for over $300, but they had to return it to the Division of Revenue and Taxation because Marquez refused to cooperate.
Marquez declined to comment.
Castillo said Matson Consulting processed and paid all the requirements of Laoeng’s in filing his income tax return.
According to Castillo, Marquez insisted on getting the full amount of the stimulus check without the deductions representing the company’s expenses that should have been paid by Laoeng.
Buniag said the check cannot be claimed by the family of Laoeng without the court’s approval.
If they can raise enough money Laoeng’s body will be immediately repatriated, Castillo said.
She is urging community members to continue supporting their effort.
The Friends of the Marinas Island and Matson Consulting will also provide assistance for Laoeng’s repatriation, she said.
For more information, call Marites Aquino Castillo at 285-8980
