OFW in Saudi allegedly abused by employer's son rescued

A female overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was rescued from abusive employers in Saudi Arabia, according to JP Soriano's report on "24 Oras" on Thursday. 

The victim, alias "Rose," started working in Saudi Arabia as a domestic helper in February of this year. 

In May, while her employers, a married couple who are both Saudi nationals, went on a business trip, Rose said their son abused her.

"Inubos niya yung lakas ko, kasi lumaban ako e. Lumaban ako sa kanya. Dun niya ginawa yung mga bagay na gusto niyang gawin sa akin. Tapos ang mali ko po dun, one month ko po kasing nilihim kasi tinakot ako ng anak niya,” she said.

(He drained my strength because I fought back. I fought him. He did the things he wanted to do to me. My fault was I kept it a secret for one month because his son threatened me.)

"[Pag] sinabi ko daw po sa magulang niya, pwede raw po akong mamatay dito sa Saudi. Pwede daw akong makulong,” she added. 

(If I told his parents, he said I could die here in Saudi. He said I could go to jail.)

Rose called her agency in the Philippines for help but she was told to wait two to three months. 

She then confessed to her employers about what their son did.

However, instead of helping, they took Rose's passport and iqama.

In July 2024, the employer's son abused her again. 

Five months later, despite asking for help from her agency, Rose is still unable to return home.  This prompted her to reach out to GMA Integrated News for help.

“Hindi ko na po kaya kasi ang dami ko na pong naiisip na nandito ako, sana po ma-rescue na po ako dito.”

(I can't take it anymore because I'm overthinking being here, but I hope I can be rescued here.)

The team immediately contacted the Department of Migrant Workers about Rose's case, which immediately responded.

Rose was rescued this week and brought to the police station.

“Maraming salamat po sa tulong niyo sir, kasi nakuha na po ako dun sa bahay ng employer ko. Nandito na po ako sa police station, alam ko pong safe na po ako dito. Sana po maging successful po lahat ito. Thank you so much po,” she said. 

(Thank you very much for your help, sir, because I was taken from my employer's house. I'm here at the police station, I know I'm safe here. I hope this will all be successful. Thank you so much.)

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac vowed to bring justice to Rose's case.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News