A Filipino worker in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia cries for help as she was denied a proper meal for weeks.
According to reports, OFW Joan Cruz Ravilo had to stay inside the accommodation which was provided by her agency. However, Ravilo claims that she has not been able to eat a proper meal for weeks already.
“Tulungan niyo po ako makauwi sa Pinas, nahirapan na po ako dito. Ilang araw na po kami hindi kumakain. Hirap na hirap na po kami. Tulungan niyo po kami dito,” says Ravilo. “Simula po June 2 hanggang ngayon po, wala pong pagkain, puro bigas lang po pinapakain sa amin. Puro kanin po walang ulam,”
Aside from Ravilo, she was also with a Kenyan national who lost weight because like Ravilo, she was also not given proper food.
“Hindi po kasi pinapakain ng maayos. Lagi po kami nila-lock-an ng pinto,” says Ravilo.
In March, Ravilo arrived in Riyadh and worked as a domestic helper. However, just after weeks of work, the employer of the Filipina started to treat her badly.
“Doon sa dating amo ko po. Kaunti lang po ‘yung pinapakain sa akin. Overtime sa trabaho tapos po lagi po akong kinakagat nung mga alaga kong bata,” says Ravilo.
Just this month, the OFW’s employer ended her contract and brought Ravilo to her recruitment agency.
Meanwhile, the mother of Ravilo, Josefina Cruz, couldn’t help but cry upon learning about the situation of her daughter.
“Parang awa n’yo na po, humihingi po kami ng tulong sa inyo. Magawan agad ng paraan na makauwi po ang anak ko,” says Josefina.
“Nananawagan po ako sa may mga mataas po. Kay Pangulong Duterte po, sa lahat na po ng puwedeng tumulong sa amin, sana po matulungan ninyo ang aking asawa. Gusto ko na po siyang makapiling at ang kanyang pamilya po,” says Romell, the husband of Ravilo.
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