An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) jumped from the third floor of a building in Dubai, claiming that she was being held captive by the employment agency that recruited her.
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On Sunday (January 27), the “24 Oras Weekend” program on GMA News featured a video of the Filipina worker, who was asking for help to return to the Philippines.
OFW Held Captive by Employment Agency
Last December, the Filipina worker arrived in Dubai, GMA News reported. Upon arriving at the airport, she was picked up and brought to the employment agency, which had promised to give her a job as a domestic worker.
A week passed, but she was still in the agency without an employer, the Filipina claimed. What’s worse, she was being held captive against her will, and without any food.
“Isang linggo po ako doon — walang pagkain, kinukulong po kami (I was there for a week – without food, and being held captive),” she claimed.
“Tumalon po ako sa third floor. Hindi ko na rin po inisip kung mamamatay po ako basta’t makatakas lang po ako don sa agency na ‘yun (I jumped from the third floor. I didn’t think whether I would live or die, I just needed to escape from the agency),” she recalled.
Fortunately, a fellow Pinoy brought the worker to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Dubai, so that she could get help and return to the Philippines. However, this was not possible since her passport was being held by the agency.
“Pakiusap naman don sa nagpa-alis sakin, ibalik ‘yung passport ko. ‘Yun lang hinihingi ko, ‘yung passport ko lang po (I am pleading with the agency to return my passport. That’s all I am asking for, my passport),” she stated.
“Sa mama ko po, Ma, tulungan niyo naman ako dito para agad akong makauwi dahil gusto ko na ring gumaling. Hirap na hirap po ako dito. ‘Yung mga anak gusto ko na ring Makita (To my mother, Ma, please help me to return immediately so that I can get better. It’s hard for me here. I also want to see my kids),” she cried.
Here is a video of the news report shared by GMA News on YouTube:
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The Labor Attache of POLO Dubai, Felicitas Bay, reminded OFWs to transact only with agencies and employers accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Indeed, let us always be wary of illegal recruiters, to avoid such unfortunate incidents!
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