PHL embassy checking on OFW allegedly beaten, raped in Saudi Arabia

Philippine authorities in Saudi Arabia are now checking on an overseas Filipino worker who was reportedly beaten and raped, then abandoned in the desert in Riyadh.

The incident has triggered outrage among Filipinos in the Kingdom, according to a report on Saudi news site Arab News on Saturday.

The report said the Philippine Embassy has sent a representative to visit the OFW at a hospital. It has also contacted the victim’s employer, it added.

It said the victim, who hails from Bukidnon, is reportedly in serious condition.

Comatose

Arab News said the victim, whom earlier reports said was among the service crew of an ice cream outlet at a mall, had been initially comatose and had no identification on him.

He was reportedly found by authorities in the early hours of May 16, naked and fighting for his life. He had serious head injuries and multiple bone fractures and a possible hemorrhage.

Junji Robles, a friend of the victim, identified him via photos supposedly posted by nurses on Facebook.

The victim allegedly managed to communicate that he was arrested and then beaten up and raped.

Outrage

Many Filipinos took to the Internet to air their sentiments.
 
“What happened to him shows sheer cruelty and man’s disregard for human life. Justice must be served,” said Benny Quiambao, a community leader in Riyadh.

He added this is one reason why many have said the Philippine government should not send OFWs to the Kingdom anymore, especially household service workers.

Another Filipino, Al Khobar-based Florencio Catanus, said what happened is "shocking to all OFWs, particularly to the victim’s relatives back home in the Philippines.” — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News