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OFW cries for help on social media over alleged abuse from colleague, employer

An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Bacolod took to social media to call for help after allegedly experiencing physical abuse from his male employer and colleague.

Wilmar Sayson, a 27-year-old caregiver in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, uploaded a series of Facebook Live videos wherein he narrated the maltreatment he went through.

As seen in a video uploaded on September 25, Sayson said that a fellow caregiver would make up stories about him and tell their employer.

The OFW added that his colleague would also physically attack him and that their employer would usually take the latter’s side.

He also said in the video that he was punched by his male employer.

Sayson said in the video that he was fired from his work but his passport was never returned to him and that he did not receive his last salary.

A day after, Sayson posted another video wherein he gave an update about his condition. Speaking in his native dialect, Sayson said that he is in a coffee shop with a fellow Filipino who helped him look for his agency in Saudi Arabia.

However, on September 29, Sayson posted yet another Facebook Live video saying that he was being arrested by the police.

“Guys, please help me. I was arrested by the police. I don’t know what to do,” Sayson said in Ilonggo.

As of press time, the said video is his last Facebook update.

Speaking to SunStar Bacolod, Sayson’s family in the Philippines said that they are aware of what is happening to the OFW in Saudi Arabia, but they have not heard anything from him as they suspect that authorities took his phone.

Sayson’s mother said that they already reported the incident to the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Bacolod but they have not heard anything from the agency.

The OFW’s mother is asking OWWA to help her son return safely to the Philippines.

Rizza Moldes, focal person of OWWA-Bacolod, also told SunStar that they have already coordinated with the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia to check on Sayson’s case.

“Initially, we learned that instead of proceeding to the embassy, he went with his friend after leaving his workplace,” she said.

Moldes added that the employer probably filed an absconding case against the OFW.

“We will have to validate [the maltreatment allegations] and provide legal assistance if is necessary,” Moldes added.

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