MEJIA, Kezia Anne R.

#25
XI-6 Our Lady of Lourdes
PASTORAL CYCLE

OFW recalls horrifying abuse under Saudi employer:

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/04/17/1806789/ofw-recalls-horrifying-
abuse-under-saudi-employer

2a. What is the news article about?

The news article is about domestic helper Agnes Mancilla, an OFW in Saudi Arabio
who experienced various abuses and human rights violations from her employer, which
ultimately led to her hospitalization. She was starver for a month and a half, worked
unreasonable hours, bitten and forced to drink bleach when she made mistakes. Her phone
was confiscated, so she was unable to contact her family for 2 years. Agnes was only able to
speak our after she was hospitalized, and her case is now being handled by the DFA and
other Saudi authorities.

2b. What does it say about the people’s situation?

The article details the horrifying experiences many OFWs go through. Away from
their family and home country, and usually tied to agenices, they are vulnerable. This
makes it easier for employers with malicious intents to abuse them. They are unable to
speak out or defend themselves because in some cases, like Agnes’, their phones are
confiscated; so they cannot contact the outside world. Another reason would be fhat they
are afraid of aggravating their situation or employer. The sad truth is that most of the time,
they are only able go speak out once they are already gravely injured, or do not get hurt a t
all.

2c. Have you ever experienced a similar situation? Do you personally know someone who
had this experience? Have you ever heard others talk about someone who has experienced
this?

While I have not been in a similar situation, nor personally know someone who has,
I have heard my family talking about a distant relative who was a domestic helper in UAE.
According to them, she was also abused by her employer or ‘amo’ for a while, until she was
able to go back home to the Philippines. Apparently, she was burned with hot water when
she made mistakes. Her return home took a lot of effort and dedication on her part, as the
environment in that part of the world was very strict.

Theological Reflection
1. Choose a Scripture related to the topic assigned to you. What do the Scriptures have
to say about the topic?

Scripture: Proverbs 31:8-31

 The first few lines of the Scripture says, “Open your mouth in behalf of the
mute, and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, judge, justly, defend the
needy and the poor!” On the topic of domestic abuse, the Bible says that we should
defend and protect victims of abuse. If they cannot speak for themselves, we must
do it for them and shed light on their predicament. Assisting and prioritizing those
who are in need, especially those who are abused, is important. Helping them get
out of the toxic and harmful environment they are in is the best thing we can do for
them.

2. Choose a Church Teaching related to the topic assigned to you. What does the
Church Teaching have to say about the topic?

The Church Teaching I chose is by Pope Leo XII,On the Condition of Labor in
the encyclical Rerum Novarum. It talks about defending the rights of those who are
in need, “the poor and badly off” who have “no resources of their own to fall back
upon”, and “must chiefly depend on the assistance of the State.” This means that it is
also the responsibility of the government to defend the rights of their people,
especially the poor. When their rights are being abused, they must take steps to
assist and help them find safety. Because these people (the poor) are more
vulnerable to these types of abuses, and have little-to-no ability to properly protect
themselves, they must be given attention and prioritized. When the State and its
people genuinely work together, the country would hopefully become more
peaceful.

3. “Followers of Christ must avoid a tragic separation between faith and everyday
life…” In what ways are you conscious to the plight of those who are poor and
vulnerable?

By reading about current events as in news articles and watching the news
daily, I become more aware of the issues our country and its people are facing.
Through this, I would become more aware of our current condition and what I might
be able to do about it, even in my own small way. Donating my old clothes and books
to victims of typhoons is an example of using my knowledge for good. Another way
is to create even more awareness through the use of social media.