An Overseas Filipino Worker in Saudi Arabia has raised accusations towards her employer for alleged sexual assault and physical abuse.
The said Filipina was rescued by the Philippines authorities in Saudi Arabia. According to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) director Connie Marquez, the OFW identified as Norevie Ugalingan was removed from her employer’s house just hours after the incident was reported to them.
Through the help of Ugalingan’s agency in KSA, the Filipina was rescued and was placed at a Bahay Kalinga, a shelter in KSA that houses distressed OFWs.
“Kagabi pinull-out siya ng Saudi recruitment agency at nagkaroon ng meeting with our welfare officer sa Al Khobar, at doon may agreement na hindi na pauwiin si Ma’m Norevie dun sa bahay ng kaniyang employer at dun na siya magsi-seek ng refuge sa ating Bahay Kalinga,” Marquez confirmed.
Ugalingan, will be staying at the Bahay Kalinga for the meantime until her repatriation flight back to the Philippines.
“Meron na siyang final exit at isasama natin siya dun sa ating chartered flight organized by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and by the Department of Foreign Affairs, and ang tentative schedule po ng kaniyang pag-uwi ay June 24,” Marquez added.
Ernalyn Hadap, the Filipina who first helped Ugalingan, said that she decided to help the OFW because of her claims of sexual abuse that started after the end of Ramadan. She found out about the situation of Ugalingan after seeing a video that the abused OFW posted on social media.
“Sabi niya after ng Ramadan dito, nagsimula na yung ganun, gustong-gusto siyang gagahasain ng anak ng amo niya, 23 years old po iyon,” says Hadap.
The Philippine embassy confirmed that they are more than willing to help the OFW if she plans to file a case against her employer.
Source GMA News
