OFW allegedly abused by employer in Saudi Arabia seeks help

A Filipina domestic helper in Dammam, Saudi Arabia sought for help and had hoped to be rescued from her alleged abusive employer.

According to a report by Ivan Mayrina in GMA News TV's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho on Monday, the OFW has been working with her employer for two years and was hurt multiple times.

"'Yung amo kong babae, minsan, sisipain niya ako. Sasampalin niya ako, tapos babatukan, hihilahin niya po 'yung hijab ko," said the worker, who was not named due to safety concern.

Her fellow OFWs, who also sought for assistance in social media said that aside from physical injuries, the victim allegedly suffers from alleged long working hours, lack of decent meals, and limited communication with her family.

GMA News sought the comment of the agency that sent the victim to Saudi Arabia. However, someone from the agency said their spokesperson is not available to give an official statement.

But employees of the agency said they are already coordinating with their counterpart in Dammam.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said they will investigate the case and will employ appropriate action.

"Meron po tayong isasagawa o maaaring isagawang pagsagip at pagsasaayos ng pagpapauwi. We will also gather information about who her Philippine recruiter is. We will, of course, contact our labor attache and welfare officer on the ground," OWWA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said. — Dona Magsino/BAP, GMA News