Saudi OFW cries sexual harassment

An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Saudi Arabia has accused her male employer, as well as his son, of repeatedly attempting to molest her since November last year. She said she reported the matter to the employer’s wife but this was met with jealousy and more harassment.

Mariz Anne Micua, a 26-year-old domestic worker, sought the assistance of DAILY TRIBUNE’s digital show Usapang OFW on Tuesday.

Micua said her Philippine recruitment agency, Anchor International Manpower Service Inc., was aware of the situation but has provided inadequate support and denied her accommodation. “The agency didn’t take me in [to their accommodations], they told me to wait for the process at my employer’s house,” she said.

On Monday, Micua’s husband received a message from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration stating that her case had been forwarded to Anchor, but no action had yet been taken.

“They’re not physically hurting me, but my safety and my life’s security are what I’m most concerned about,” Micua said.

According to Micua, her employer tried to negotiate with her, asking her not to report the harassment to authorities but instead claim a health issue. She said her employer threatened to have her imprisoned for three years if she revealed the truth to the authorities.

Micua is appealing for repatriation to the Philippines and requesting temporary accommodations at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office shelter.