In the past few days, a viral video circulated on social media showing a woman who was allegedly inside a building in Dubai when a missile strike reportedly hit the area. The video quickly spread online after claims surfaced that the incident happened during a missile attack reportedly launched by Iran as retaliation for attacks carried out by the United States and Israel in the region.
Earlier, an article was published discussing the viral clip, believing that the footage was recent and related to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. However, it has now been clarified that the video being circulated online was actually a re-upload of an older clip and not connected to the current situation in Dubai.
We sincerely apologize for sharing information based on the assumption that the video was a recent update. We intended to provide timely news and raise awareness, especially to help inform the public about the safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who might be affected by conflicts abroad.
The truth behind the viral video was revealed during an interview conducted by Philippine Senator Raffy Tulfo. In the interview, the woman seen in the video explained that she is already in the Philippines and currently living in South Cotabato.
The woman was identified as Edlyn Lacsi, a former OFW. According to her, she previously worked in Lebanon and not in Dubai, contrary to what was being claimed online. She also clarified that she had never worked as an OFW in Dubai.
Edlyn further explained that the incident seen in the viral video actually happened several years ago during the pandemic. At that time, she had started vlogging as a way to earn income while working abroad. During one of her live streams, a bombing occurred near the area where she was staying.
Because of the blast, the table where her cellphone was placed suddenly flipped, causing both the phone and Edlyn to fall underneath the table. Fortunately, she was not harmed during the incident. This directly contradicts rumors circulating online claiming that she had died in the explosion.
During the interview, it was also mentioned that Edlyn did not receive any benefits at that time, even though she was reportedly entitled to assistance. According to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), she should have received support following the incident.
With the help of Senator Raffy Tulfo and coordination with OWWA, the benefits that were previously denied to Edlyn are now expected to be released. Today, Edlyn has chosen to remain in South Cotabato, where she continues to live peacefully with her family.