A Filipino domestic worker who was allegedly tied to a tree by her employer has been rescued and was sent back to the Philippines.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs identified the Filipina as Lovely Acosta Baruela. Baruela’s case became viral when a picture of herself tied to a tree circulated widely on Facebook.
“Baruelo was allegedly punished by her employer by being tied to a tree,” DFA said.
The picture was uploaded last Thursday by Facebook user Amer Navodlom and was shared more than 20,000 times. After the post went viral, Baruela’s case was referred to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh on the same day.
The Embassy assisted Baruela and she was repatriated to the Philippines. Baruela arrived in Manila at 8.55pm on Thursday.
In a report by the Manila Bulletin, one person who claimed to be Baruelo’s co-worker said their employer got angry at the domestic worker after she left a piece of furniture out in the sun.
It is not known if Baruela’s employer will face repercussions for his or her actions.