The worker, identified only by the pseudonym “Vicente,” was reportedly stopped at King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh and prevented from leaving because he had with him 150 kg of copper.
Police believe the worker stole the estimated SR3,000 worth of copper from his employer after he resigned and they arrested him on suspicion of the theft.
“The embassy was not fast enough to send a legal advocate which could have saved Vicente from being jailed. This is probably due to the fact that the embassy's limited resources to resolve so many cases involving OFWs,” said John Monterona, coordinator of the group in the Middle East.
The embassy would not comment on the case on Monday.
Vicente had worked as furnace operator in a molding shop using copper as primary material and resigned after his two-year contract. He is from Jaen, Nueva Ecija, northeast of Manila.
“The brother in Riyadh called me for help on the day Vicente was held. I informed the embassy about it so that official representation could be provided and prevent the filing of a case against Vicente,” said Monterona.
He was able to talk to an official who normally acted expeditiously on cases referred to the embassy but this time he failed to act.
Monterona said the employer might waive his private rights on the matter, an action that would absolve the suspect if any punitive measures in favor of the victim — such as paying a court-ordered punitive fine directly to the victim for the crime. However, the waiving of private rights still means a theft suspect faces punishment on criminal charges, which would most likely involve jail time if found guilty. He is currently incarcerated.
Monterona warned Filipinos leaving the country not to take with them anything that could raise suspicions that they have committed crimes. Under Saudi migration law, workers leaving on final-exit visas are given criminal background checks and must be cleared of holding any outstanding debts. Any red flags that appear, even at the checkout counter of the airport, can lead to exiting workers being detained or prevented from departing pending further investigation.
