Abused maid's employers skip hearing

MANILA, Philippines - A couple accused of maltreating their former helper failed to appear before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office yesterday.

It was the second time that Reynold and Analiza Marzan snubbed the hearing before Assistant City Prosecutor Ronald Torrijos. Fiscals had earlier warned that if the couple did not attend yesterday’s hearing, the charges against them would be submitted for resolution.

Bonita Baran, 21,  filed seven counts of serious physical injuries, two counts of attempted murder and serious illegal detention against the couple.

Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta said the couple had been seen coming in and out of their residence along Visayas Avenue. She earlier asked Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to place the couple under a watchlist order.

Baran went blind after Analiza allegedly repeatedly punched her in the eyes during the five years she was employed with the Marzans. Her employment with them ended in May, when the couple sent her on a bus home to Catanduanes because she could no longer work.