Philippine officials said Tuesday that a Filipino domestic worker allegedly abused by her employer in Hong Kong, in a case that sparked outrage after a video went viral, is now safe and under government protection.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a statement late Monday that the worker, identified by the pseudonym “Bernadette” to protect her privacy, is staying in a protected shelter in Hong Kong while medical and legal procedures continue.
Authorities acted swiftly after the incident came to light, Cacdac said. Hong Kong police responded Jan. 15, and a Philippine assistance team took the worker to a hospital for examination before moving her to the shelter. She remains under close observation awaiting medical results.
On the legal front, Hong Kong Labor Attaché Cesar Chavez Jr. and a legal representative will accompany her to a police station for a formal investigation, the secretary said.
As of the end of January 2024, more than 201,000 Filipino domestic helpers were working in Hong Kong, according to Hong Kong Immigration Department data.
Despite Hong Kong’s robust labor protections for foreign domestic workers, cases of abuse and exploitation continue to surface periodically.
The Department of Migrant Workers renewed its call for overseas Filipino workers facing abuse to immediately contact Philippine embassies, consulates or labor offices for help.
“The DMW remains committed to providing full support to the OFW, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize the welfare and protection of all OFWs,” Cacdac said.
