A male overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was raped by a man who took his Iqama or residence permit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Saleema Refran reported on GMA News “24 Oras” on Tuesday that the victim, named “Peter,” told her he was in the store when the suspect approached and apprehended him.
He said the suspect was forcing him to give his iqama and get inside the car.
Because Peter was not fluent in Arabic since he was working in Jeddah for only eight months as a waiter, he was forced to obey the man because he wanted to recover his iqama.
“Sabi ko o sige sasakay ako ng kotse mo basta ibigay mo lang ‘yong iqama ko. Tapos pagsakay ko ng kotse, doon na napilitan na ako,” Peter said.
(I told him I would go inside the car, but you should return my iqama. When I rode the car, I was forced there.)
“Noong time na ‘yon I was vulnerable and weak. Hindi ako nabigyan ng chance na lumaban kasi ‘yon nga nauna’ yong takot ko,” the victim added.
(That time, I was vulnerable and weak. I was not given a chance to fight because I was scared.)
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After the incident, Peter immediately asked his co-workers to help him report the incident to the police.
“Nagpunta na kami ng pinakamalapit na presinto. Inimbestigahan kami kung ano nangyari mula umpisa hanggang matapos. Nakuha ‘yong pinaka-hitsura ng tao pagkatapos noon, the next day, doon na nakuha ‘yong tao kaagad,” Peter’s co-worker said.
(We went to the nearest precinct. We were investigated on what had happened, from start to finish. They took what the suspect looked like, the next day, they arrested person right away.)
The suspect is currently jailed, and charges are being prepared against him. Meanwhile, the Philippine consulate offered assistance to the victim.
Because of his experience, Peter advised his fellow OFWs always to be careful.
“Maging aware sila na kung sakaling may mangyaring ganoon, maging malakas, maging mas matatag. ‘Wag nilang hahayaan na mangyari ‘yon sa kanila. Maging palaban,” said Peter.
(Be aware that if that happened to them, they should be strong. They should not let it happen to them. Be ready to fight.)