Filipina domestic helper in Riyadh reported missing

A Filipina domestic helper in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has been reported missing by her husband, who last got in contact with her over three weeks ago when they discussed her negative working conditions.

Identified as Bernadeth Navarro, the Filipina domestic helper last spoke to her husband Josue on November 27, 2020 when she told him that the release of her salary was delayed, and that she was not being fed. The following day, she could no longer be contacted through her phone or through online messaging.

"Sabi ng kasama, pinahuli na siya ng amo, pinakulong. Blinock ako ng kasama niya kasi baka raw masabit pa raw doon siya," Josue said in a report on GMA's "24 Oras Weekend" on Sunday.

"Sa akin lang, baka kinulong lang 'yun sa bahay nila tapos hindi pinakain," he added, noting that his wife's passport is still with the employer.

The report noted that Bernadeth's agency did not provide assistance, citing that her contract has already lapsed.

The family has already reached out to the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) in Davao for assistance on the matter.

GMA News has also forwarded the concern to OWWA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac who said the agency will take action.

A similar response was given by Labor Attaché Nasser S. Mustafa, who vowed to look into the matter. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News