The cases of two Filipino nationals, a maid on whom her angry employer had poured boiling water on May 4 and a male OFW who was allegedly raped and left for dead in the desert on May 16 by three unidentified men, are still under investigation. Both victims have demanded that the accused be brought to justice.
For the scalded maid, her cousin Harrish Alagasi, who is the only source that provides update on the victim, told Arab News on Friday that so far, there has been no development in the case except some offers from two recruitment agencies which are apparently trying to save their business.
He said a Manila-based agency is trying to convince the victim's family to tell the court that Fahima is 27 years old, so she will be eligible to get two years' salary and after that they will take up the case against Fahima’s employer.
According to him, another offer from Saudi-based agency is for a bigger amount if the victim’s family withdraws the case against her employer. Harrish said that the employers are of Yemeni descent but could already have become Saudis.
"Dealing with the Philippine Embassy is very frustrating because they don’t give us any update," said Harrish. He confirmed that Fahima’s employer was arrested but is now out on bail.
As for the male OFW's case, the man has only been identified as “Mario.” He is able to talk, according to a friend who visited him at the hospital recently. Although he has still difficulty speaking, he said he could recognize the perpetrators if he saw them.
“He is now able to talk and already gave some details about what happened to him,” Charlotte Ludovice said.
The victim said that two of the attackers were in police uniform but could not confirm whether they are really police personnel.
According to him, the third culprit, a young man, works at a well-known supermarket in Riyadh.
Mario was brought to hospital in an ambulance, Ludovice said, adding that he has already been visited by the Philippine Embassy staff.
On his first appearance on Philippine Channels, Mario appealed for help from fellow OFWs and authorities concerned to get justice and be repatriated as soon as possible.
Arab News tried to get an update on the case from the Philippine Embassy, but did not get any response.
Two Filipinos still waiting for justice
