OFW allegedly abused in Jeddah returns to PHL

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) was repatriated to the Philippines on Thursday after calling for help through social media that her employers threatened, starved and one attempted to rape her in Saudi Arabia.

Annie, not her real name, left her three kids to work as a domestic helper in Jeddah for P18,000 a month, was emotional as she shared her experience on JP Soriano's report for State of the Nation with Jessica Soho aired Thursday.

The OFW said she struggled against her male employer who had twice tried to sexually assault her shortly upon her arrival.

"Bigla lang nandiyan na sa likod ko...niyakap niya ako na mahigpit, eh lumaban din ako. Ma-ano siya...lalaki siya, eh babae po ako. Malaki 'yung amo ko. Lumaban talaga ako, sinisipa-sipa ko siya," Annie said.

She raised her concern with her recruitment agency who reportedly just advised her to stop working.

The move angered her female employer. "Sinaktan ako, pinatayo ako, walang kain tapos hindi ako pinatulog ng dalawang araw, hindi pinakain," Annie said.

Annie said she even had to use a knife to defend herself from her male employer who continued to make attempts on her.

"Nagulat po ako, sinipa ko siya na banda siya, 'yun talaga nahubadan talaga niya ako," Annie said. "Naghawak na talaga ako ng kutsilyo, sabi ko 'lumapit ka, kasi papatayin kita'."

Annie was rescued from her Saudi national employers shortly after labor officials saw her post on social media.

She arrived in the Philippines on Thursday and was promised livelihood assistance and skills training by the Overseas Welfare Workers' Administration (OWWA).

According to OWWA adminstrator Hans Cacdac, "Posibleng ma-blacklist 'yung employer."

The official said they will also investigate Annie's recruitment agency. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News