The case of a Filipina domestic helper, Ulambai Singgayen, who is being held by authorities in Kuwait for allegedly stabbing her employer, is currently being given careful attention by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. Due assistance will be offered to the Pinay migrant worker to ensure that her rights are well-protected, as shared in a report by ABS CBN News.
(ALSO READ: Kuwait Labour Law: Working Hours, Leaves & Vacations)
In line with this, the DFA immediately sent for a group of embassy representatives to the hospital where the Filipina was being treated for injuries reportedly inflicted on her by the members of her employer’s family.
DFA looks after the Case of Pinay Domestic Helper involved in Kuwait Stabbing Incident
“Our Embassy in Kuwait continues to look after our kababayan and is coordinating with the authorities to ensure that her rights are protected,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said.
Initial reports gathered by the embassy reveal that Singgayen was beaten up after her alleged attack, which she claimed as self-defence against her employer. Her employer had apparently threatened to have her visa revoked and transfer her to another house where she would be murdered.
Chargé d’Affaires Charleson Hermosura reported that Singgayen had visible injuries on her face, chest, and arms. The X-ray examination done on the Filipina revealed internal bleeding in her abdomen, as well.
It was, however, still unclear if Singgayen was being maltreated by her employer prior to the stabbing incident, shared Hermosura.
The Maguindanao native who was deployed to Kuwait in 2017, is now facing felony charges and was put under hospital arrest after the incident.
The incident came nearly three months after the Philippines and Kuwait have signed an agreement that would provide better protection and working conditions to Filipino domestic helpers in the Gulf State. (ALSO READ: ‘Tighter’ Rules Limit Deployment of OFWs to Kuwait)