By Karen Bong and Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 16: A somber atmosphere fell on Kuching International Airport (KIA) as the three children of electrocuted Sarawakian couple Damian Senin and Ronwina Mambai returned and were reunited with their families at 11.40am today.
Family members and close relatives of the deceased couple could not hold back their emotions as they saw 10-year-old Elisa Olivia who was carrying her two-year-old sister Magdalena Damia together with eight-year-old brother Joseph Rayyan emerging from the doors of the arrival hall accompanied by their uncle Robert Adi and aunt Kelly Jhon.
All of them huddled around the siblings, hugging and consoling them as tears fell freely during the tragic and sorrowful homecoming.
The children’s father Damian, 46 and mother Ronwina, 35, passed away in an electrocution accident at Cameron Highlands on March 10.
The late Damian’s elder brother Henry Limon, 49, said he was tending to his farm and bringing out paddy grains to be dried outside when he was informed of the devastating news of the incident by a neighbour.
The brothers, including Damian’s twin Cosmos, had not seen each other for at least five years.
“Now, we won’t be seeing them forever. He was a good brother, husband and father.
“He (Damian) had been working there (Peninsula Malaysia) for some 20 years now. He used to come back once a year during Gawai but now he won’t be able to do so anymore.
“What to do, now that God has called him. We are deeply saddened by the news of their passing. It is very difficult to express my sadness (in words),” he told reporters while waiting for the arrival of his nieces and nephew.
Henry said the last time they had a conversation over the phone was in February where they discussed sending back corn seedlings for his farm.
“But when I asked if he will be home this Gawai, he said he won’t be able to come home this year as he had to work,” he said, his voice quivering as he recalled the memories.
Cosmos was also shocked when alerted of the news while at work.
“I was on my way to work in the morning when I received the news. So I was not able to go down to work.
“It was shocking and sad,” he said.
Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Buda, Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) deputy president Dr Charlie Ungang as well as officers from the Ministry of Welfare Department were present to provide the necessary assistance to the family. — DayakDaily
