Saudi employer accused of scalding OFW arrested but now out on bail

Photos of 22-year old Pahima “Candies” Alagasi, who suffered second degree burns after her employer poured boiling water on her, went viral online after her cousin posted them on Facebook.

MANILA, Philippines—The employer of Pahima “Candies” Alagasi Palacasi, the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who suffered burns after being doused with boiling water, was arrested but released after posting bail, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday.

“On May 27, she appeared before the prosecutor upon invitation of the prosecutor’s office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia accompanied by embassy officials. She gave her statement on the incident with assistance of our embassy representatives,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose told reporters in a press briefing.

“We also found out that the employer was already arrested but temporarily out of detention under custody of a sponsor, investigation by the prosecutors’ office is continuing,” he said.

Under the judicial system in Saudi Arabia, the defendant will be under the custody of a sponsor who will have full responsibility for whenever the defendant will be required to attend hearings or give statements in court.

Palacasi, 22, works as a domestic helper in Riyadh and has been complaining of being maltreated by her employers.

Boiling water was poured on her body by her employer after she dropped the cap on a water heater while she was making coffee.

She suffered second-degree burns on her back and legs and was treated in a hospital by a Filipina nurse. She was made to work even after the burn injuries.

Palacasi was later able to escape with the help of the nurse and seek assistance from Philippine embassy officials.

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