An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Negros Occidental who was allegedly maltreated in Saudi Arabia has escaped her employer. 

The OFW, Maria Eva Abastillas, is now under the custody of the Philippine Embassy in Saudi, as of this writing.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is now processing her papers so she could return home to her family in Isabela town in Negros.

“Pina-process na ngayon ng Department of Migrant Workers ang pagpapauwi sa kanya sa Negros,” said Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo.

ALLEGED ABUSED

Based on information the embassy relayed to her husband, Rhemon, the OFW escaped because her employer allegedly hurt her, did not give her food, and locked her up.

When Abastillas escaped, another OFW saw her and posted about her situation on social media, which paved the way for the embassy to come to her rescue.

Abastillas went to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June 2023, leaving behind husband and three children.

“Sa huli niyang tawag sa aking ng March, sabi niya hindi na niya kaya ang kanyang trabaho. Umiiyak siya. Hindi na siya namin ma-contact,” her husband, Rhemon, said.

“Sinasaktan raw siya at hindi pinapakain. Sabi niya, hindi na siya kumakain. Kinukulong raw. Umiinom na lang siya ng tubig. Sinasaktan siya. Marami nga siyang pasa sa likod,” he added.

According to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Isabela, Abastillas is now in stable condition.

The Negros Occidental provincial government will provide her family aid.

“What’s important is that there is already an action by the national government to bring her back in Negros Occidental. When she is back here, we will address the situation,” said Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacsion.