3 domestic helpers in Kuwait plead for help for alleged abuse

Three domestic helpers, one of which is a senior citizen, have pleaded for help on social media after they were allegedly abused and imprisoned by their employers, according to JP Soriano’s report on “State of the Nation.”

“Kasi minamaltrato po kami ng aming amo. Nagagalit na siya sa akin ng wala kadahil-dahilan. Pagkatapos, matagal na po pinapadlockan kami ng pinto,” 66-year-old Ruby said.

(We are being abused by our employer. They get mad at me for no reason. They locked me in a room for a long time.)

Ruby said the abuse started after they asked their employer if they could resign and return to the Philippines.

“Binubulyawan kami diyan sa labas. Kahit hindi kaya, kinakaya na lang. Pero talgang suko na ako. Gusto ko na umuwi. Ito’y nilihim ko lang sa pamilya ko pero hindi ko na talaga nalihim,” she said.

(They keep screaming at us outside. Even if we can’t take it anymore, we’re doing our best. But I want to give up. I want to go home. I just kept this a secret from my family, but I can’t do it anymore.)

Ruby’s colleague, Rose, secretly gives her food while she is imprisoned.

However, Rose found herself imprisoned too after the employer caught her giving food to Ruby.

“Ako po may sakit na po ngayon na ulcer po kasi pinapadlockan po kami nila hanggang hindi po kami makakain sa oras. Atsaka naawa po kami sa kasama namin,” Rose said.

(I developed an ulcer because they prevented us from eating on time. I also felt bad for our colleague [Ruby.)

Ruby’s sibling said their case has been brought to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kuwait and Ruby’s employers were called.

However, when the sibling tried to call Ruby on Friday, they were unable to reach them.

“Mula nung tumawag ‘yung OWWA POLO sa amo parang doon na naghigpit. Parang bantay sarado na sila, hindi na ma-contact,” the sibling said.

(Since the OWWA POLO called the employer, they started being stricter. I can’t contact them anymore.)

Meanwhile, the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs said the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait has been informed and is taking action.

In 2018, Kuwait and the Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement that states the rights of Filipino helpers in Kuwait must be protected. -- Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA News