A FILIPINA housemaid, who claimed her genitals had been mutilated by her employer in Bahrain, is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to a report.
However, medical examinations on the woman at a top hospital in the Philippines found no wounds or scars to her external genitalia, the Philippines Embassy in Bahrain said yesterday.
But other signs of possible physical and other forms of abuse were observed, it said in a statement, adding that the domestic worker is being kept in the hospital for further examination and treatment.
The GDN reported last Tuesday that diplomats in Bahrain and the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs had launched an investigation into allegations by the woman after she flew home earlier this month.
In a video that went viral on social media, the woman claimed she was not paid, not fed properly and made to sleep with animals during five years of abuse at the hands of the Bahraini employer.
“Upon receipt of information on the matter over social media that the Filipina housemaid was already enroute to the Philippines via Abu Dhabi, the embassy immediately co-ordinated with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and the relevant authorities in Manila to extend all the necessary assistance to the Filipina,” said the embassy statement.
“A representative of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of the Under-Secretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (DFA-OUMWA) established contact with the worker immediately upon her arrival in Manila and subsequently brought her to a private hospital for medical examination.”
She was taken to the St Luke’s Medical Centre in Quezon City to undergo a more comprehensive medical examination.
“Results of the medical examinations ... showed that her external genitalia is normal with no evidence of wounds or scars.
“The attending physician (in Manila) likewise confirmed that her breasts are normal with no sign of any recent wound or scars on the said area.
“However, other signs of possible physical and other forms of abuse have been observed.
“A psychiatric specialist confirmed that the Filipina was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the cause and extent of which is still undetermined at this point.”
The embassy also said its officials were informed that the housemaid was paid only BD90 since her arrival in Bahrain.
“The embassy notes that the required salary in the standard contract approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration for the deployment of housemaids to Bahrain, or to any other country, is $400 or BD150.”
It further said that it was in touch with the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and other relevant authorities over the case.
LMRA chief executive Ausamah Al Absi praised the embassy “for factually and technically setting the record straight”.
“What we understand from the statement is that the domestic worker told a blatant and outrageous lie both on video as well as in initial statements in her home country,” he said.
“The medical examination showed there was no sign of physical abuse corresponding with her claims.
“Further evidence showed that she was paid an amount that she agreed to for more than four years and continued working.”
He said statements by her family confirmed she sent money home regularly.
“The government of Bahrain takes the welfare and safety of the expat community very seriously,” said Mr Al Absi, adding that such outrageous allegations do not contribute to the collective social stability.
“On the contrary they create unfounded fear and animosity.”
He said LMRA will continue to co-operate with the embassy as well as counterparts in Manila to address any other claims.
“However, the credibility and legitimacy of the complainant is in serious doubt, post-traumatic stress disorder notwithstanding.”
“The only verifiable victim is the employer! The way this story was started, then spun through social and conventional media shows lack of professionalism and sensitivity towards the employer who was falsely accused of heinous acts without the benefit of doubt, and for that there should be ramifications.”
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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