Mother of typhoon victim Aimee back in PH

TOO LITTLE, TOO SOON Aimee, 7, (with rescuers) died of hypothermia Friday. Her father and brother are still missing. DENNIS JAY SANTOS /INQUIRER MINDANAO

MANILA, Philippines—The mother of Aimee Kay Sayson, the 7-year-old girl who died of hypothermia after being rescued in typhoon-devastated New Bataan town in Compostela Valley on Wednesday, is finally home.

According to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the girl’s mother, Inideth Sayson, arrived Friday from Hong Kong, where she works as a domestic helper.

OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon said the agency’s regional officers were coordinating with Sayson about what government assistance she needs.

“We will offer her livelihood assistance if she already wants to stay here for good. Our regional officers are still assessing what other kind of help or assistance the family needs,” Dimzon told the Inquirer.

Aimee was rescued from muddy waters after Typhoon ‘‘Pablo’’ struck New Bataan on Dec. 5. But she was pronounced dead on arrival at the Davao Regional Hospital on the same day.

Aimee had been half-submerged in the floodwaters for nearly a day before she was found by rescuers.

Dimzon said OWW officers in areas affected by Typhoon ‘’Pablo’’ are now trying to find out if there are other families of overseas Filipino workers who have been affected by the disaster.

“We’re ready to provide relief assistance to affected families of our OFWs,” Dimzon said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard has dispatched sniffer dogs to aid in the search for those still missing.

“We have already sent four K9 units and their handlers… they will be utilized to look for missing persons in the New Bataan area,” said PCG spokesman Cmdr. Armand Balilo.