Trafficked and Maltreated Abroad: OFW finally returns home to Tabuk City

Tabuk City, Kalinga – After enduring abuse abroad, a trafficked overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Tabuk City, Kalinga has finally returned home, bringing relief to her family, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)–Cordillera confirmed earlier this week.

The victim, whose identity was withheld for security and privacy reasons, suffered maltreatment at the hands of her abusive employer, who later facilitated her illegal transport from Doha, Qatar to Egypt.

The distressed OFW managed to seek help, leading to the reporting of her case to government agencies.

On August 27 last year, she was rescued from her employer with the assistance of the Migrant Workers Office–Qatar, which also helped her file a case for physical abuse against her employer.

The victim was then placed under the protective custody of the Migrant Workers Resource Center.

Through the coordination of DMW–Cordillera, her return to the Philippines was arranged and approved.

On Wednesday last week, January 14, she safely arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and was welcomed by personnel from DMW–Cordillera and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)–Cordillera.

To help ease her distress, she was provided with immediate welfare and psychosocial support, as well as a medical evaluation.

After being declared fit to travel, OWWA–Cordillera escorted her back to Tabuk City.

DMW–Cordillera and OWWA–Cordillera also noted that financial assistance to support her reintegration was extended to the victim prior to her arrival.

Authorities urged OFWs who are experiencing abuse to immediately seek help and report their cases to concerned agencies to ensure timely intervention.