Saudi human rights body to look into case of abused OFW

MANILA, Philippines — An independent non-government organization in Saudi Arabia has taken interest to look into the case of Filipina worker Agnes Mancilla.

Earlier this month, the Filipino community in Jizan, Saudi Arabi rushed Mancilla to the hospital after her employer forced her to drink bleach.

Edgar Badajos, Consul General in Jeddah, said that the National Society for Human Rights in Saudi Arabia visited Mancilla at the hospital on Wednesday, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The human rights body interviewed the 36-year-old Filipina domestic helper and checked the extent of her injuries.

"We welcome the investigation conducted by the Society. We believe it demonstrates the resolve of Saudi authorities to bring those responsible for Agnes’s horrifying ordeal to justice," the DFA said.

The Society, the highest human rights body in Saudi Arabia, has the power to investigate and make recommendations to the Prosecution Office based on its findings.

The organization was formed to defend human rights of Saudi nationals, as well as residents and visitors.

Mancilla's recruiting agency in Saudi Arabia has also offered to shoulder her medical and other expenses.

"Consul General Badajos said he is hoping that Agnes would be well enough to be transferred to Jeddah before members of her family are flown in next week," the DFA said.

Mancilla is currently confined at the King Fahd Hospital in Jizan. Filipino nurses at the hospital assured Badajos that they will look after their fellow OFW until she has fully recovered.

Saudi authorities had given their assurances to the Philippine Consulate that justice will be served in the case of Mancilla.

"Sinabi sa akin na ang nangyari ay hindi din katanggap-tanggap sa kanila at ang batas nila ay walang kinikilingan, maliit o malaking tao pareho basta nagkasala (They told me that what happened was not acceptable to them and that their law was neutral as long as they are guilty)," Badajos said.

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