Migrants’ rights group: ‘Sanction recruiter of abused OFW’

MANILA, Philippines – Migrante-Middle East, a Filipino migrants’ rights group, is calling for sanctions against the recruiter of a domestic worker who is in coma, and was working in Saudi Arabia.

A blood clot was found in her brain and was removed on Saturday, September 26. She’s in need of blood donation since her platelets are also low, the group said.

Migrante-Middle East said in a press statement: “We call on POEA chief Mr. Hans Cacdac to take necessary action against the recruiter of an underage Filipino household service worker (HSW) who is in critical condition after she undergone an operation Saturday, a blood clot in her brain were removed; allegedly she was a victim of maltreatment.”

“Rina” (not her real name) is 25 years old from Kabuntalan, Maguindanao.

“Rina” (when she was still able to talk) told other wards at Saudi’s social welfare agency (SWA) that she was only 17 when she began working in Saudi Arabia and when the abuse began.

“She was brought by her employer at SWA on September 19, and that day was very weak. On 24th, we were informed that she could no longer walk and talk, and in a state of coma,” John Monterona, regional director of Migrante-Middle East said.

Monterona added, “Upon confirmation of her being deployed underage and was a victim of human trafficking, OFW Rina’s recruiter’s license must be cancelled immediately, and appropriate case must be filed.”– Rappler.com