OFW in Thailand rescued from abusive employer

MANILA, Philippines — An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) being maltreated by her employer in Thailand was rescued in an operation, a result of the cooperation between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Royal Thai Police (RTP).

The PNP, in a statement on Friday, said the OFW was rescued in Pattaya last March 22 from her employer, Iraqi Ibrahim Hashim Al-Ami.

The PNP said the victim, whose identity is being withheld for her protection, was raped by her employer and was also subjected to a forced abortion.

The PNP said the RTP’s foreign affairs division received a request for assistance from the Philippine embassy in Bangkok about a distressed OFW.

“Following close collaboration, the Foreign Affairs Division of the RTP, in coordination with the Pattaya City police station, developed plans to locate and rescue the victim,” the PNP said.

Al-Ami and his wife were arrested and brought to the local police station for investigation.

“This remarkable rescue operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies in protecting the rights and welfare of our citizens, particularly our overseas Filipino workers,” PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said.