PHL seeks more protection for foreign workers in HK


The Philippines on Thursday sought stronger protection for foreign workers in Hong Kong following reports of torture of an Indonesian maid by her employer.

Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, 23, returned to her home country in critical condition from Hong Kong after reportedly suffering from months of physical abuse, reports said.

Filipino women’s group, Gabriela, called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to support the Indonesian maid.

In response, the DFA said the Philippine government “condemns the maltreatment in any form of migrant workers.”

“We appeal to all nations and individuals to respect the human rights and welfare of migrant workers all over the world,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez told a press briefing.

Hong Kong is home to 163,000 Filipino domestic helpers.

Relations have been strained between the Philippines and Hong Kong when President Benigno Aquino III refused to issue a public apology for the deaths of eight Hong Kong nationals who were killed in a hostage-taking incident in Manila in 2010.

Manila’s refusal to issue an apology prompted Hong Kong to sanction the Philippines by cancelling the visa-free privilege of Filipino diplomats and government officials.

The Philippines called the move “unfortunate," insisting that “a substantive closure" on the incident had already been arrived at three years ago with the previous Hong Kong government and the victims and their families.

Hernandez said the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong is actively monitoring developments in the case of the abused Indonesian maid.

“With this case, the consulate looks forward to a strengthen system in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government’s institutions to ensure that all migrant workers are properly protected,” Hernandez said.

Cases of Filipino domestic helpers who suffered maltreatment in the hands of their employers in Hong Kong have been reported in the past. — Michaela del Callar/KBK, GMA News

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