OFW in Jeddah locked in stockroom, made to eat spoiled rice

A Filipina domestic helper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was rescued from her abusive employer after she sought assistance through a video posted on Facebook, GMA News' Raffy Tima reported on 24 Oras on Wednesday.

In the video, Edrelyn Cauntoy said her female employer locked her inside the stockroom and fed her noodles only at night after her Saudi Arabia ID expired. She said one time her employer made her eat spoiled rice.

"Simula ho kasi nung 12 ng gabi, pinababa ako ng amo kong babae rito. Sabi niya po dito na lang po ako sa baba. Mag-antay na lang daw po ako dito po sa stockroom," Edrelyn said.

She said the irregular meals have affected her health. "Hilung-hilo na rin po ako. Masama na po ang pakiramdam ko."

Edrelyn used the video to appeal for help, saying she wants to go home.

"Sana po matulungan niyo po ako makauwi na, kasi po hindi ko na kaya dito. Ayoko nang magtiis dito. Gusto ko na talaga pong umuwi," she said.

When her family saw the video, they immediately reached out to authorities.

On Wednesday afternoon, representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Bacolod informed the family that she has already been rescued from her employer by her agency and the Philippine Embassy.

OWWA also said Edrelyn will be repatriated once she secures her exit visa.

The report said Edrelyn decided to work in Saudi Arabia to finance the rehabilitation of their house and to help send her siblings to school. —KBK, GMA News