Joanna Demafelis experienced daily physical abuse from employer —fellow OFW



Joanna Demafelis, the Filipina worker found dead inside a freezer in an apartment in Kuwait, experienced daily physical abuse from her employers, according to a fellow Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
In a 24 Oras report by Mariz Umali on Monday, the OFW who refused to be identified, described the appearance of the victim's body when it was discovered by authorities.
"Nakaupo na parang nakatagilid siya na parang kasya lang siya sa freezer. Natatakpan siya kasi maliit ang freezer, hindi malaki," the OFW said.
She said the last time she had communication with Demafelis was in September 2016.
"'Yung September na 'yun nag-usap-usap na kami ng kaibigan ko sa harap nila na tutulungan na namin siyang patakbuhin. Sabi niya ayaw niya kasi takot siya," the OFW said.
The employers of Demafelis, a Lebanese man and his Syrian wife, have since fled to Lebanon.
The discovery of Demafelis' body and other abuses has prompted the Philippine government to ban the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait.
The victim's grieving family is currently working to have her remains repatriated.
The family is seeking for a swift justice for the slain OFW. —Anna Felicia Bajo/JST, GMA News

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