DFA: Filipina tied to tree by Saudi employer repatriated

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday the Filipina worker who was tied to a tree in Saudi Arabia by her employer has been repatriated to the Philippines on Thursday night.

“The DFA reports that OFW (overseas Filipino worker) Lovely Acosta Baruelo from Saudi Arabia arrived in Manila at 8:55 p.m. on 9 May 2019,” it said in a statement sent through Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez.

“OFW Baruelo was allegedly punished by her employer by being tied to a tree,” it added.

Baruelo’s photos tied to a tree in front of her Saudi employer’s home circulated online on Thursday and became viral with more than 91,000 shares.

According to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Baruelo’s case was referred to them on May 9 and she was repatriated on the same day.