Employer apologizes to OFW for accusing her of theft without proof

A Filipino worker in Jeddah who was detained for allegedly taking her employer's cash and jewelry was released after more than a month after her employer failed to produce evidence proving her guilt.

Estrelita Caligagan was about to go home to the Philippines last August when she and another Filipina were arrested by Saudi authorities over alleged theft.

“Pagdating ko [dahil] bumili ako ng Nutella, nandyan na po ang mg pulis. Sabi niya (employer) hindi ka magta-travel bukas, sabi niya nagnakaw kayo,” Caligagan told GMA News.

When her relatives and agency in the Philippines got wind of her detention, they reached out to the Philippine Consulate, which in turn assisted her, leading to her release.

She said her employer admitted having no evidence against her and apologized for having her detained for more than a month.

“Nakonsensya siguro siya, nag-sorry tapos sabi niya pasensya na,” Caligagan said.

Caligagan said she has no plans of suing her employer, adding she just wants to go home to the Philippines.

Vice Consul Alex Estomo of the Assistance to National Section said Filipino workers who were wrongfully accused are encouraged to file a counter-charge.

“Pag may mga kababayan tayong naakusahan ng any wrongdoing at hindi napatunayan ito sa mga imbestigasyon, palagi po nating pinapayuhan ang ating mga kababayan ng counter-charge against sa kanilang mga employer," he said.

“Sa katuayan may isa po tayong kasong tinututukan, exactly the same case na sila ay inakusahan na nagnakaw pero hindi ito napatunayan sa investigation, kaya nag-file tayo ng counter-charge sa kanilang amo,” Estomo added. —Ronaldo Concha/KBK, GMA News