11.46 AM Tuesday, 19 March 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 05:07 06:20 12:29 15:54 18:33 19:47
19 March 2024

Dubai pesticide poisoning: Filipino dad takes daughter's body home to Manila

Three-year-old girl Filipino Aaliyah Bella, died in a recent pesticide poisoning case in Dubai. (Supplied)

Published
By Sneha May Francis

The father of three-year-old girl Filipino Aaliyah Bella, who died in the recent pesticide poisoning case in Dubai, finally got possession of his child’s body on Wednesday.

Read: Filipino dad awaits body of only child who died of pesticide poisoning in Dubai

"I will be seeing my daughter for the first since July 30," said Benji. "I don't know what I'm feeling right now. I can't say I'm happy, but I'm relieved that I'll be able to rest her body."

His little girl died after inhaling toxic gas which leaked through the AC duct of their Dubai apartment.



She was one of two who died of pesticide poisoning that injured four others, including the girl’s father and mother.

Also Read: Filipino killed after toxic poison leaks through AC

The family is scheduled to fly to Philippines today evening.

“I’ve got all the paperwork completed from Dubai Police, and I’m awaiting the final clearance for our departure. I’ve cancelled her passport and informed the Philippine embassy for the NOC [No Objection Certificate],” Benji told Emirates24|7.

He added that the body will be kept in a church in his hometown Marikina, and the funeral will be on Sunday.

Also read: Pest-control cowboys still using banned 'bombs'

His wife Amy is still in a unstable condition, with Benji adding that he still “can’t leave her alone”.

The couple hope to return to Dubai after two weeks. “My wife is planning to take up work when she comes back. I think that will help her to cope with the loss better.”

Benji informed that his friends and well-wishers in Dubai held a special mass for his little girl at St Mary’s Church in Oud Mehta on August 6.

The incident took place in Al Qusais on the second day of Eid Al Fitr when the tenant of an apartment sprayed the banned Aluminium Phosphide and left for his home country.

Following extensive investigation, Khalid Sharif Al Awadhi, Executive Director of Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality informed that their team were quick to link the death with the banned substance and not spoiled food.

The hospital report established the “presence of gas in the victim’s body”, he added.