The remains of Maria Angela Tumali “Angel” Cano, 24, were placed in the tomb of her mother who died eight years ago at the Liaban cemetery in Barangay Colo here.
Colo is the next village of Pag-asa where Angel was born and grew up and the residence of most of her relatives.
“Lagi mong sinasabi na magsasama na kayo ng nanay mo, natupad na ang gusto mo (you always said that you wanted to be with your mother, now your wish has been granted),” said Juanito Tumali, Angel’s cousin and family spokesman, who was trying to control his tears during the last rites in a small Catholic chapel in Pag-asa.
On February 4 which is her mother’s birthday, some hours before the tragic fire in Iraq, a crying Angel chatted with relatives saying she will be seeing her mother.
Felixberto Cano, driver who is residing in Mindoro, said he last talked with his daughter Friday morning or some hours before she died. “Padadalhan daw niya ako ng pang-bubong (she will send me money for the roof of my house),” the father said.
Like her father, Angel promised to help in some little way her other relatives by sending them money to buy pigs, cow and for the educational needs but death cut it short.
Tumali said that officials of the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration in Region 3 visited the wake of his cousin on Friday and assured them that due benefits will be given as soon as documents are processed.
He said that so far, Angel’s employer has spent for her funeral expenses.
Tumali thanked OWWA, the Department of Foreign Affairs and OFW rights advocate Susan Ople for helping them.
