Dear PAO,

We filed a case for illegal dismissal, praying for separation pay in lieu of reinstatement due to strained relations. Our employer established that we stopped reporting to work, but the ruling states there could be no abandonment because the filing of a case for illegal dismissal is incompatible with the desire to sever the employer-employee relationship. However, we failed to establish that we were actually dismissed from employment. We were awarded reinstatement with no award for back wages. Neither was separation pay awarded, although we prayed for it considering the strained relations between us and the employer. Is this correct?