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Pinoy Abroad

Filipinos rescue runaway Pinay maid in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia


Overseas Filipino workers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last Tuesday rescued a distressed Pinay household service worker who ran away from her employer.

Filipino expatriates told GMA News that they found Lina (not her real name) at about 8 a.m. in Jeddah walking on the street barefoot, wearing pajama, and without an Abaya, a loose over-garment worn by Saudi women.

Thearhea Tungol, one of the OFWs who found Lina, told GMA News that they saw her at a terminal near the hospital where they were working.

Tungol said they immediately  approached Lina and asked her why she was walking barefoot and without an Abaya. Lina replied that she ran away from her employer. "She pleaded for help so she can escape."

Also, Tungol said they immediately took Lina inside the hospital, gave her slippers and Abaya to cover herself. Women in Saudi Arabia should wear an Abaya to cover their whole body while out in public.

Then they called the office of Migrants Rights Advocate, Ang Kaagapay ng Bawat OFW to help Lina get to the Philippine Consulate.

Welfare Officer Yolanda Peñaranda of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) extended help to Lina.

“Isinusumpa ko na 'pag may nangyari sa akin dito mumultuhin ko lahat ng may kasalanan sa akin,” Lina told GMA News in a later interview.

 

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's Welfare Officer Yolanda Pañranda talks to Lina with Thearhea Tungol at her side.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's Welfare Officer Yolanda Pañranda talks to Lina with Thearhea Tungol at her side.

On the other hand, Tungol said Lina seemed mentally disturbed and she might be experiencing depression. "She said she doesn't trust anything and anyone around her."

Peñaranda took Lina to the Consulate's Bahay Kalinga.

“Mabuti na Lang at may mga kababayan tayong mabubuti ang kalooban at natulungan si Lina at hindi napunta sa ibang mapagsamantala. Makikipagugnayan po kami agad sa kanyang employer pag nakuha na namin ang mga imortanteng impormasyon kay Lina,” Peñaranda said. —LBG, GMA News

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