‘Abused’ OFW succumbs to brain cancer in Saudi Arabia

An overseas Filipino worker, who was complaining of severe headache and abuse in the hands of her employer, died in Saudi Arabia earlier this month.

According to Chino Gaston's report on "24 Oras", Sabina Gipa died on June 8. Her death certificate showed that she succumbed to brain cancer.

Instead of getting adequate medical treatment, Gipa was left to the care of fellow migrant workers who gave her paracetamol for her headache.

Gipa's husband Walter said he informed her recruiter about her condition after receiving word about the alleged abuse and her headache.

A video taken on May 22 showed a visibly weak Gipa straining to complain about the abuse and the pain she was suffering.

"Alam niyo ang sabi sa 'kin, sir? 'Ang asawa niyo okay naman d'on. Two hours lang nagtratrabaho 'yung asawa niyo saka 'yung asawa niyo nagbabaliw-baliwan,'" Walter said.

"Naging kampante ako sa sinabi niyo pero once na may nangyari sa asawa ko babalikan ko kayo," he added.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the recruitment agency have drawn criticisms and blame for Gipa's death.

The recruitment agency vowed to financially assist the bereaved family. It also said that they did not receive any report that Sabina suffered abuse from her employer.

POEA officers said they would need clearance in order to give a statement on the matter.  —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News