MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino worker in Hong Kong has experienced the adverse effect of the hostage crisis in Manila.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) revealed on Saturday that the Pinay worker was verbally abused by her employer whose sister and brother-in-law were among the casualties in the 12-hour hostage drama in Manila.

“Since the incident happened, she has been experiencing verbal abuses from her lady employer,” said DFA spokesman Ed Malaya in an interview with radio dzMM.

Malaya, quoting the report submitted by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, said 2 days after the hostage crisis, the OFW was able to explain to her lady employer that she had nothing to do with the incident in the Philippines. She said that she, too, is also sympathizing with her employer’s family.

Malaya said the OFW offered to have her contract terminated but the employer apologized and asked for understanding. The employer’s husband and children also enlightened her that the OFW is in Hong Kong to work for her family back home.

“After a few hours, her lady employer finally apologized to her and begged her to stay. She cried and pleaded for our OFW to understand her behavior. Our OFW has been with her employers for 6 years,” Malaya said.

Malaya added this case mirrors the phases of outrage and mutual understanding between Filipinos and Hong Kong residents.

“This mirrors basically the experiences of our community here and also the Hong Kong community. Right after nagkaroon ng insidente, the first reaction was of course outrage, indignation. Ang susunod na phase is of course trying to reach out to the other, explaining that I have nothing to do with what had happened and I sympathize with the death of your sister and your brother-in-law. Finally, after reaching out, there is what you call the mutual forgiveness and understanding,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malaya said that Consul General Claro Cristobal received reports of other Filipinos terminated after the incident in Manila.

“May report nga po na supposedly may isang OFW na binigyan ng one month notice kahit na 'yung kanyang kontrata ay may remaining 5 months validity pa. Ang guidance po ng DFA, through Undersecretary Esteban Conejos, ay we will treat it as a labor issue just in case walang basehan 'yung termination. Then, we will act accordingly. Mayroon naman tayong labor attache doon,” said Malaya.