OFW in Saudi Arabia escape alleged abuse, now under embassy care

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — A 45-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who allegedly suffered abuse and neglect from her employer in Saudi Arabia has sought refuge at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and is awaiting repatriation to the Philippines, according to Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson

“What is important is that the national government has already taken action to bring her back to Negros Occidental,” Lacson said in an interview on Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The governor added that the provincial government is likely to extend financial assistance to the OFW upon her return.

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READ: 341 Filipinos back home from Saudi Arabia

A native of Cebu who is married to a resident of Barangay 8 in Isabela City, Negros Occidental, the OFW has three minor children.

She initially worked in Riyadh from January 2023 to December 2025 and later extended her contract until Dec. 31, 2026.

According to reports, she escaped from her employer on Aug. 2 and sought refuge at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

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The OFW was allegedly subjected to maltreatment and appeared severely undernourished.

Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo said in a Facebook post that the local government is coordinating with the worker’s family and relevant national government agencies to facilitate her return to the Philippines. /cb