The chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs is incensed over the reported gang rape of a 13-year-old daughter of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Singapore.

“A different kind of trauma engulfs a migrant worker’s family faced with this problem,” said KABAYAN Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, who condemned the incident.

“But condemnation is never enough; we join the cry for justice and the full enforcement of the law against the six maniacs who were identified by the victim,” Salo said. All suspects remain at-large.

“While rape is rape no matter who the victim is, I am doubly incensed because the case falls squarely within our party’s and my advocacy for the protection not only of the rights of migrant workers, but of their family members as well,” he noted.

The OFW, Maria (not her real name), was immediately assisted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for her flight back to Iloilo so she could tend to her daughter.

Apart from the tickets for her flight, OWWA also extended financial assistance amounting to S$300, or roughly ₱15,000.

“I would never be able fathom the grief of a mother who sacrificed so much to leave her family behind just to help them survive, then finds out that, in her absence, a loved one was preyed upon by licentious individuals,” Salo continued.

“I laud OWWA and DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) for their immediate assistance to Maria and her daughter. This is exactly the kind of proactive and committed service we should be providing as public servants,” the House leader stressed.

“Indeed, the victim needed the immediate presence and support of her mother in these trying times, and I am glad that the OWWA led by Administrator Arnel Ignacio and DMW led by Sec. Toots Ople quickly responded," he said.

On Sept. 5, 2022, the OWWA Regional Welfare Office VI team brought Maria and her daughter to the police to take the victim’s statement. After which, the victim was brought to the Regional Health Unit for medical examination. Medico-legal findings confirmed rape.

Along with the OWWA and DMW, Salo commended the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), San Rafael Mayor Roberto Belleza, and Governor Arthur Defensor who are helping in the case.

“All that remains now is for the authorities to help the victim realize justice. These criminals must be dealt with the full force of the law,” Salo concluded.