Abused OFW’s recruiter suspended

MANILA, Philippines - A recruitment agency in Saudi Arabia was suspended after an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) it deployed was abused by her employer’s mother, who poured boiling water on her, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said yesterday.

In a report to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Labor Attache to Riyadh Rustico dela Fuente said Al Motkasess Recruitment Office had been placed on “documentary suspension” that prevents it from recruiting more workers from the Philippines.

Dela Fuente said the agency was summoned by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) after photos of the wounds of Pahima Alagasi Palacasi, a 23-year-old household service worker from Malapaan, Pikit, Cotabato, went viral last May 17 when it was posted on Facebook.

Palacasi was deployed to Riyadh last March by A-M Philippine Professional Services Corp., a Philippine recruitment agency, to its Saudi counterpart, Al Motkasess.

A few days after Palacasi arrived at the house of her employer, Adil Akmad Badjuid, said she complained of homesickness and constantly cried.

She alleged she was constantly being “kicked and (whipped) by her male employer.”

Her employer brought her back to Al Motkasess but she did not report the maltreatment “for fear of further complicating her situation.”

According to DOLE, Palacasi was transferred to the house of her employer’s mother who, on May 4, “poured boiled water” on her due to a simple misunderstanding because the mother could not speak English.

Palacasi was taken to a hospital for treatment and brought home. She was brought back to the same hospital every day until she was escaped on May 11.

The victim went to the house of her cousin, who posted photos of her injuries on Facebook.

Baldoz instructed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs to coordinate with the POLO in investigating the case and assisting the OFW and her family.

“Even if Palacasi is not an OWWA member, she can avail of livelihood assistance under the ‘Balik-Pinay, Balik-Hanapbuhay’ when and if she decides to come home,” she said.

Vice President Jejomar Binay said yesterday that the Philippine government will pursue the filing of charges against Palacasi’s employer.  – With Jose Rodel Clapano