The mother of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has reached out for assistance in rescuing her daughter, who she alleges has been maltreated and deprived of food by her employer in Oman.
According to a report by Emil Sumangil on GMA News’ “24 Oras” last Monday, the mother, who is currently in the Philippines, revealed that her daughter, known as “Julia,” has been working as a domestic worker for her current employer in Oman for two years.
“She is being mistreated by her employer. They lock her up and deprive her of food. My daughter told me they even pierced her with a needle. She’s weak, trembling, and her stomach feels heavy,” the distressed mother narrated, expressing her deep concern for her daughter’s well-being.
The abuse reportedly began last September.
“I am very scared. I just want my daughter to come home to the Philippines. I told her, ‘Don’t worry about not having money when you return home; the most important thing is that you’re alive,'” the mother said.
The “Kapuso Action Man” promptly notified the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) about Julia’s situation, leading to her rescue and repatriation to the Philippines on January 20.
“The maltreatment she suffered is a criminal offense. When our OFWs face such criminal offenses, we seek assistance from the host country’s police forces. We reach out to the police or the Omani government authorities to help us rescue, save, and bring them to a shelter,” stated DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac.
Julia will also receive assistance from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
“In addition to her safe repatriation and providing her with assistance, psychosocial counseling is part of our services not only here in the Philippines but also while she is in Oman,” the official added.