Victim unmasks, charges “abuser” face to face

Rappler.com

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FACING 'ABUSER.' 'Michelle' (2nd from right) unmasks herself for the first time. Photo by Paterno Esmaquel II

3 victims of the sex-for-flight scam in the Middle East face their alleged abuser, Riyadh labor attaché Antonio Villafuerte, during a Senate probe.

In a dramatic gesture, one victim removes her mask to face her alleged abuser. The victim “Michelle”, not her real name, asks Villafuerte, “Now, Mr Villafuerte, do you remember me, what you did to me?” Villafuerte confirms he knew Michelle but denies he tried to rape her. Senate labor committee chair Jinggoy Estrada accused Villafuerte of sexually molesting Michelle and other distressed overseas Filipino workers. Estrada also narrates an event when Michelle, who ran away from an abusive employer with only the clothes on her back, requested items such as underwear from Villafuerte. Villafuerte allegedly sent Michelle a text message containing offensive Filipino words seldom used in everyday conversation.  Michelle, Villafuerte, and other embassy and labor officials will return to the Senate on August 22 as the sex-for-flight probe continues.

Read the full story on Rappler.

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