Gadhafi kin's Pinay maid calls husband in Isabela

ILAGAN, Isabela, Philippines  – One of four Filipino helpers of the family of beleaguered Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has called her husband to inform him that they are safe.

Nicanor Labuguen, of Barangay Cagabutan, Cauayan City, told a radio interview here that his wife Zenaida assured him Sunday night that she and her three Filipino co-workers remained safe even as Libyan rebels have already occupied most of the Libyan capital of Tripoli.

According to Labuguen, his wife denied that they have left Libya as they transferred from one place to another to evade the assaulting anti-Gadhafi forces.

“They have been moving calmly from one place to another, denying media reports they are running for their lives,” Labuguen quoted his wife as saying.

Zenaida, who left for Libya on the day of her birthday – Sept. 9, 2010 – will turn 39 on Friday.

Aside from her, the other Filipino helpers in Gadhafi’s household were identified as Mary Ann Bucos of San Agustin, Isabela; Diana Rivera from Makati City and a certain Allen from Mindoro.

Although they were not allowed to leave, the Filipino workers are being given their salaries regularly, according to Labuguen.

However, they could not send money back home as banks in the Libyan capital were reportedly closed because of the ongoing hostilities there.

Labuguen added that his wife and her co-workers were being treated well by their employer, who is reportedly a nephew of Gadhafi.

“They have enough food and provisions in the place where they have sought shelter,” he said.