Judith, a domestic worker in Dubai, complained she was being maltreated by her female employer. She said the madam once tried to choke her. Different objects were also thrown at her, she was often deprived of food and was even prohibited from using the bathroom, she claimed.
Her cousin, Journey, sought the help of Bantay OCW which coordinated with Welfare Officer Mary Cyd Simangan of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai.
The encouraging news is that embassy personnel were able to rescue Judith from that cruel and inhuman employer. The overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was able to return home. Together with cousin Journey, she visited Radyo Inquirer recently to thank Bantay OCW.
Our overseas kababayan often complain that our diplomats seem hesitant, sometimes even embarassed, to stick their necks out for Filipino household workers who become victims of virtual domestic slavery in the Middle East. So in this case, kudos to Mary Cyd and her associates in the Dubai consulate.
Internet-savvy OFWs
Older OFWs may remember the days when they waited weeks, sometimes a month, to receive letters from their loved ones—some of them containing the voices of their children recorded on casette tapes.
Today, the internet allows instant communication between overseas workers and their families. This is such a blessing for OFWs.
Susan Andes, aka Susan K. is on board at Radyo Inquirer 990 dzIQ AM, Monday to Friday 12:30-2:00 p.m. with audio/video live streaming: www.dziq.am. Hotlines: 5357209/8819423/0920-968-4700. E-mail: susankbantayocw@yahoo.com/bantayocwfoundation@yahoo.com BANTAY OCW Foundation Operations Center: 631 Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City