RIYADH: Migrant rights group Migrante-Middle East (MME) on Friday urged the Philippine government to provide legal assistance for the Filipino woman arrested on charges of making bombs with a Syrian man.

The police arrested Lady Joy Aban Bali Nang and Yasser Mohammed Shafiq Al-Barazi in a major operation last Wednesday in the capital. It is also alleged that Nang ran away from her sponsor fifteen months ago.

John Monterona, Riyadh-based MME’s regional coordinator, said: “A reliable source told me that there is no doubt that the arrested woman is a Filipino, and that she hails from Tarlac.”

Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago last week told Arab News that the embassy is seeking access to the woman. “The embassy is currently seeking confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of her identity and the circumstances of her arrest,” the envoy said.

Monterona said that the Philippine government should not delay appointing a lawyer to assist the arrested woman, who will face the death penalty if proven guilty. “I am hoping that the Department of Foreign Affairs issues an official statement confirming her identity and nationality.”

“Undocumented or illegal overseas foreign workers, like many other undocumented expatriate workers in the Kingdom, are in a deplorable situation after running away from their employers due to alleged abuses and labor malpractices. Such was the situation of Joy,” Monterona explained.

“It is possible that Joy may not have been aware that she was sewing belts that would be used to carry explosives especially if she was [being held against her will] and threatened by the suspected Syrian bomb plotter.”

“It is very important that the Philippine officials in Riyadh talk to Joy, face-to-face and get her affidavit as soon as possible,” Monterona said.

He said that in 2013 there were reports of Filipino workers being harassed by a suspected terrorist group in Saudi trying to recruit them. “The workers were forced to resign from their jobs and went home because they were afraid of being linked to terrorist activities.”

“We are renewing our advice and caution to all overseas foreign workers, legal or undocumented in the Kingdom, to strictly obey the laws of the host government and avoid activities that will be construed as a threat to peace and order.”

“Because we regard Saudi Arabia as our second home, we should help foster peace and order in the Kingdom ... in whatever way we can,” he said.