Abused OFW repatriated from Kuwait, vows never to work abroad again

Last July 2, "Carla" left her hometown of San Nicolas in Pangasinan to work as a domestic helper in Kuwait. After three months, she went back to the Philippines — with a vow never to work abroad again.

Carla was yet another OFW who decided to return home after experiencing abuse at the hands of her employer, according to a report on Balita Pilipinas by GMA News stringer Joan Punsoy on Monday.

"Hindi nila ako pinapakain, sir, tapos binalik ako, sir, sa office. Galit na galit sila, na pagbabayarin nila ako. Sabi ko, sir, wala akong pambayad kasi nagpunta ako sa abroad para maghanapbuhay," she said.

Carla, a mother of two, said she would sometimes hide in the CR to eat. She said the experience left her traumatized.

"Binabatukan dito pag nagluluto ako. Kasi, sir, sabi ko wala akong alam sa pagluluto. Pinipilit niya ako na may alam. Pag mali, sir, binabatukan niya ako," Carla said.

For now, Carla is glad that she is back with her family.

The report said Carla was repatriated through the help of Pangasinan OFW Desk, which, according to its Facebook page, is the "provincial government’s arm to address the needs of OFWs and their families."

"Matutulungan namin yan sa NLRC, maki-claim niya yung mga hindi nya nasahod, at sa OWWA mayroon naman siyang livelihood program," said Elizardo Laureta, migrant desk officer of Pangasinan OFW Desk. —KBK, GMA News