MANILA, Philippines – Rina (not her real name), the Filipina worker in Saudi Arabia who has been in a coma after allegedly being physically abused and raped by her employer, is in need of blood donations.
Migrante-Middle East, a Filipino migrants' rights group, is calling on fellow Filipinos working in the region to donate blood and help save Rina's life. They have a social media campaign called #SaveOFWRina.
Migrante said Rina had been unable to speak and fell into a coma after her employer "surrendered" her to the Saudi Welfare Agency (SWA).
A blood clot was found in her brain and was removed on Saturday, September 26. She's in need of blood donation since her platelets are also low, the group said.
Migrante-Middle East said in a press statement: “We call on POEA chief Mr Hans Cacdac to take necessary action against the recruiter of an underage Filipino household service worker (HSW) who is in critical condition after she undergone an operation Saturday, a blood clot in her brain were removed; allegedly she was a victim of maltreatment.”
"Rina" is 25 years old from Kabuntalan, Maguindanao. When she was still able to talk, she reportedly told other wards at Saudi’s social welfare agency that she was only 17 when she began working in Saudi Arabia.
“She was brought by her employer at SWA on September 19, and that day was very weak. On 24th, we were informed that she could no longer walk and talk, and in a state of coma,” John Monterona, regional director of Migrante-Middle East said.
Monterona added, “Upon confirmation of her being deployed underage and was a victim of human trafficking, OFW Rina’s recruiter’s license must be cancelled immediately, and appropriate case must be filed.”
“OFW Rehana told them that she was gagged with clay and silicon after the rape incident,” Dungca said, quoting OFW Rehana fellow wards at the social welfare center.
Hospital staff at the Kingdom Hospital, Exit 5, in Riyadh, will accept donors from 8 am to 5 pm local time and can check with the hospital if they are a match with Rina by saying the blood is for the patient with the MRN# 403552.
They can also contact John Leonard Monterona of Migrante-Middle East at 0539081974. – Rappler.com