She had reportedly made a mistake in preparing tea.
Published: Sat 22 Sep 2018, 12:48 PM
Updated: Sat 22 Sep 2018, 3:47 PM
A Saudi employer will face legal action for allegedly forcing an overseas Filipina worker (OFW) to drink bleach, according to Saudi authorities.
A case was filed against the employer on September 20 for the treatment meted out to OFW, Agnes Mancilla. It is alleged that bleach was forced down her throat after she after "she reportedly made a mistake in preparing tea," Consul General to Jeddah Edgar Badajos reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Mancilla was rushed to hospital by fellow OFWs after they found her unconscious on April 2 and had to undergo laparotomy to get the bleach out of her liver. Doctors also found burns on Mancilla's back and it is alleged that her employer used to bite her when she made mistakes. Besides, she was also forced to work for 20 hours per day with coffee as her only meal.
If found guilty, the Saudi employer will be subjected to jail term, lashing, and financial compensation.
Foreign affairs secretary, Alan Peter Cayetano, welcomed the news said, "We would like to thank authorities in Saudi Arabia for filing the necessary charges against the employer who abused our kababayan."
He was further quoted as saying in The Filipino Times, "We are counting on our Saudi friends in ensuring that our kababayan would be able to obtain justice for the unthinkable deed committed against her."