His employer, Betty G. Terlaje of San Vicente, told Variety that she learned on June 30 that her houseworker for almost 11 years, Editha Ybanez, was a passenger of the ferry.
Ybanez, 47, a native of Surigao, southern Philppines, left Saipan on June 17 for a vacation and was supposed to return on July 18.
Ybanez was with her cousin Susan Libon when the ferry, with over 800 persons on board, capsized.
Libon and 30 passengers were the only survivors.
“She was a wonderful woman and very close to our family,” Terlaje said, adding that Ybanez “loved my kids unconditionally.”
Irene Tantiado, Coalition of United Worker (NMI) president, said they were told that another Saipan guest worker, a warehouseman, was also among the fatalities.
Tantiado said her group is still communicating with the Filipino community to confirm the report.
They are also requesting the community to extend financial support to the family of Ybanez.
Terlaje said they already sent financial assistance to the Ybanez family, but she is also encouraging also the community members to “open their hearts.”
She added, “I was touched by the overwhelming support of her friends on island.”
Ybanez’s friend, Jaye Bautista, told Variety they were able to raise $70 as financial aid.
