The decision to become an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) is often a courageous step taken by Filipinos seeking a new start and a better life for their families.

Yet, this narrative reveals the devastating vulnerability faced by women who, having sacrificed everything to provide, tragically encounter men who exploit that desperation for profit or greed.

We delve into the separate fates of two women—one, a former OFW betrayed by a police officer; the other, an Indonesian worker victimized by a customer—both of whom met their de@th at the hands of the men they were compelled to trust.

Part I: The Betrayal of Renelyn Fulgeno

Renelyn Fulgeno (40), a single mother and former OFW who had worked in Hong Kong, was known by her family in Laguna as loving, generous, and kind.

After returning to the Philippines, she entered into a relationship with a police officer known only as Ronel, who introduced himself as separated.

Renelyn quickly discovered Ronel was not only married but also juggling at least two other girlfriends, yet her love for him prevailed over the brutal truth.

Their relationship was fraught with tension, largely due to financial strain; Renelyn’s mother, Juanita, later testified that Ronel frequently demanded money from Renelyn.

On February 8, 2022, Renelyn received a message from Ronel’s mother, luring her to their house in Laguna.

The following day, February 9, Renelyn left her home wearing a 3/4 white blouse and cream pants. This was the last time her family saw her alive.

When Renelyn could not be contacted, her frantic family filed a missing persons report. The case gained momentum when remains were discovered buried in a remote area of Infanta, Quezon, over 100 kilometers from Renelyn’s home.

On February 15, Renelyn’s sister, Renita, identified the remains based on clothing and personal items found nearby.

The body, tragically found with evidence of having been partially set ablaze and sustained a fatal projectile wound to the he@d, was confirmed as Renelyn.

The family’s suspicion immediately fell upon Ronel, the police officer, as he was the last person seen with Renelyn.

CCTV footage later confirmed that Renelyn and Ronel were together, boarding a jeepney, on the evening of February 9.

Renelyn’s mother strongly believed Ronel was involved, detailing how the officer often badgered her daughter for money.

The case was hampered by severe investigative incompetence and alleged corruption. Renelyn’s family had to petition high-ranking officials and media personalities for assistance due to the initial inaction of the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group in Quezon.

It was revealed that Ronel had financially exploited Renelyn, using her money—which largely came from her former British boyfriend, Mark Anthony Sherwood—to buy expensive items like cellphones and laptops.

Mark Anthony Sherwood had cut off Renelyn financially when he learned of her affair with the police officer.

Desperate to keep Ronel, Renelyn had allegedly tried to conceive and later lied about a pregnancy, fearing Ronel would leave once her money ran out.

The police officer’s mother, who had often relied on Renelyn to withdraw cash for her, was suspected of luring the victim to the house under the pretense of a loan application.

In a shocking display of police negligence, evidence, including the victim’s clothing, was mishandled and poorly stored, with police officers reportedly refusing to process samples due to the odor.

The lack of urgency drew national attention, including that of a prominent Senator, who expressed fury that vital evidence was mishandled and that the DNA results took months to process.

When finally questioned, Ronel denied any involvement and invoked his right against self-incrimination, refusing to submit to a lie detector test or disclose his whereabouts on the day Renelyn vanished.

Though Ronel was later transferred to a different station, he was not immediately removed from duty.

The investigation also uncovered complex layers of relationships: Ronel had three other girlfriends, and Renelyn’s nephew was dating Ronel’s daughter—a situation that Renelyn was alleged to have ‘condoned,’ further angering Ronel.

In August 2022, the DNA results positively confirmed the body was Renelyn Fulgeno, and the official cause of her passing was the projectile wound to the he@d.

The discovery brought closure to her family, yet they continue to fight for justice, maintaining that Renelyn’s only mistake was loving the wrong man.

Part II: The Robbery and Deceit of Ferin Diah Anggraeni

Across the South China Sea, in Semarang, Indonesia, lay the second victim of this tragic narrative of betrayal and vulnerability: Ferin Diah Anggraeni (21).

Ferin, described by her family as shy, simple, and hardworking, initially worked as a golf caddy.

To raise money for her mother’s prolonged medical treatment, she accepted a promotion to become a Sales Promotional Girl (SPG), working in a bar to promote alcohol.

The need for double income eventually forced Ferin into a more precarious line of work. To find customers, she relied on social media, where she met Christian Ari Wibowo (31), a front desk employee at a small hotel.

Christian falsely presented himself as a high-ranking executive at a five-star hotel, successfully impressing Ferin.

On July 31, 2018, the two met in person and spent time together in a motel room.

A few days later, Christian contacted Ferin again for another meeting, this time with a sinister request.

During their encounter, Christian tied Ferin’s hands and covered her mouth. When she struggled, he also tied her feet, leaving the young woman completely incapacitated.

Christian then proceeded to rob Ferin, stealing her jewelry—including a pendant, ring, bracelet, and anklet—her cellphone, and cash.

Fearing Ferin’s cries would be heard, Christian severely assaulted her with a metal bar he had brought with him.

He then left the motel, leaving Ferin unconscious, only to return later after renting a car for 2,000 Rupiah.

Christian wrapped Ferin’s body in a blanket and drove to a remote forest in Kunduran District.

At 2:00 AM on August 1, 2018, Christian poured gasoline over Ferin’s body and set her ablaze. Though the fire did not fully consume the body, Ferin succumbed to the severe injuries.

At 7:00 AM, residents discovered the remains and called the police.

Investigators quickly pieced together the details, tracing Ferin’s last location to the motel, where they identified Christian as the check-in companion.

Christian, who was attempting to pawn Ferin’s jewelry (totaling 55,000 Rupiah, which he used to pay off debts) and sell her phone, was quickly located at his dormitory.

He did not resist arrest and immediately confessed to the crime, stating his only motive was robbery.

Christian Ari Wibowo was swiftly convicted of murder in January 2019 and sentenced to 28 years in prison, a decisive act of justice for Ferin Diah Anggraeni.

Conclusion: The Shared Vulnerability

Renelyn Fulgeno and Ferin Diah Anggraeni shared a tragic fate rooted in their vulnerability. Both were dedicated women who sought stability through unconventional or high-risk means to support their families.

They entrusted their safety to men—a police officer and a customer—who saw only opportunity in their weakness.

While justice was swift and clear for Ferin’s killer, the case of Renelyn Fulgeno remains a painful reminder of how corruption, incompetence, and influence can obstruct the truth, leaving a family broken and a killer’s accountability perpetually in doubt.