RIYADH, 7 December 2005 — Philippine Embassy officials have reminded Filipino women in the Kingdom to avoid going out of their residence at night so as not to get into trouble.

They also urged compatriots not to encourage workers who have complaints against their employers to run away because doing so would only complicate matters.

Vice Consul Romulo Victor Israel Jr. and Attaché Ahmed Bajunaid of the embassy’s Assistance to Nationals Section (ANS) issued the reminder after a young Filipino maid was gang-raped by unidentified young men last month when she escaped from her employer.

Israel said the victim ran away upon the advice of someone from the Philippines, whom she talked to by phone.

“Women must avoid going out unescorted especially at night,” added Attaché Bajunaid. He encouraged Filipinos who have problems to call the embassy hot line, 01-482-0507, in case of emergency.

The victim told embassy officials that she ran away at about 8 p.m. one night last month to avoid the alleged sexual advances of her employer.

“I was walking hurriedly when five young men pulled me into a pickup and drove me to a house just a few blocks away from my employer’s residence,” she said.

She said seven young men took turns on her and gave her away later to another group of five young men, who also gang-raped her inside a tinted van as they cruised along the streets.

The rapists were reportedly playing full-volume music and her cry for help were apparently unheard. She said her attackers also took her gold earrings and necklace plus SR1,000 cash.

Embassy personnel found her on a street seven hours later, almost naked. She was placed under the custody of Bahay Kalinga (shelter house) and given medical treatment.

The victim celebrated her 20th birthday at the Bahay Kalinga on Nov. 23, during which she was serenaded by other distressed Filipino women who heard of her ordeal.

Other compatriots also came to give succor to her. “Let’s help this young lady,” said OFW John Esplanada, who pulled out an amount from his wallet as a birthday gift.

Esplanada also called on others to contribute, saying the victim’s quest for justice could be long and arduous.

The victim, however, decided to just return home to Mindanao in the southern Philippines on Dec. 1.

Her employer gave her an exit visa and plane ticket. “She was not interested in pursuing her case against those who attacked her because she was worried it would take a long time to resolve,” said embassy personnel Gerardo Rimorin.