A Filipina overseas worker will no longer be able to return to her job in Doha, Qatar, after her husband went ballistic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) departure area, and proceeded to tear up her travel documents on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
Myren Detari Onato was forced to abort her trip back to Doha when her husband Jonard Banate caught up with her at the NAIA Terminal 1 where he tore up her passport and boarding pass, and even destroyed her cellular phone, while she was waiting to board her flight for Doha.
Onato was supposed to return to Doha after she spent Christmas here.
“Pitong taon po walang trabaho yan (Banate). Kahit buntis ako sa abroad, tinutulungan ko nga po siya. Pero sobra na ang pananakit niya kaya nagpa-rescue na ako sa aking mga magulang at lumayo na po kami sa kanya (He’s been without a job for seven years. Even if I was pregnant abroad, I help him. But he has been so abusive that I asked my parents to rescue me, and take me away from him),” Onato told investigators.
But apparently, not even Onato’s protective parents could keep Banate from catching up with her.
In full view of airport police and other passengers, Banate confronted Onato, who could only cry and do nothing, as he tore up her passport and boarding pass at the NAIA Terminal 1 departure area.
It was at this point that airport authorities broke up the marital spat, and took Banate into custody.
Onato said Banate would always hurt her every time he got drunk, and this usually sends him on a jealous rage.
Onato said she will be pursuing a case against Banate for violation of Republic Act No. 9262, or Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, and for tearing up a public document.
The help desk of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) assured Onato that it will help facilitate the issuance of a new passport for her.