MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is verifying reports that a male overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was raped and beaten up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the agency is coordinating with labor authorities in Riyadh.
“Forwarded your query to Labatt Resty at POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) Saudi,†she said in a text message to The STAR, referring to labor attaché Resty de la Fuente.
Earlier reports said a Filipino worker was in serious condition in Riyadh for head injuries and multiple bone fractures that he suffered after he was beaten and raped by four men.
The worker was reportedly arrested in Batha town and was brought to Malas, where the rape and beating occurred.
Vice President Jejomar Binay has asked the Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia for a spot report on the incident.
“We are closely monitoring the developments in this incident,†Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado said.