OFW scalded by Saudi employer returns home

MANILA, Philippines — The overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who suffered severe burns after her Saudi employer doused her with boiling water returned home yesterday.

Pahima Alagasi, 26, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Adnan Alonto.

They were met at the airport by Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III of ACTS-OFW party-list and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Department of Labor and Employment.

Alagasi, a mother of  two, left Pikit in North Cotabato in March 2014 to work as a domestic helper in Saudi.

She suffered burns after her employer’s mother doused her with hot water.

Alagasi ran away from her employer while she was undergoing treatment at the Raseel Medical Center. She stayed for four years at the Bahay Kalinga shelter of the Philippine embassy in Riyadh.

Alagasi has filed a complaint for maltreatment against her employer. The case was dismissed by a Saudi court.

Her employer filed a counter-complaint and a claim for $66,000  or P3,435,960 in damages, which was dismissed by a Saudi judge.

These cases held back Alagasi’s repatriation for four years.

OWWA chief Hans Leo Cacdac said the two children of Alagasi would be given scholarships up to college.

Alagasi thanked President Duterte and other officials for bringing her home.

The DFA gave Alagasi P50,000 in cash assistance.

Labor advocacy group Blas F. Ople Policy Center has sought reforms in the government’s assistance program for OFWs to address their needs.