First domestic worker abuse case filed in Cebu

A Korean mother is facing trial for allegedly maltreating a household worker last year.

The case is the first one for violation of the Batas Kasambahay filed in Cebu City since the law took effect on June 4, 2013.

My Escook Park was charged before the Regional Trial Court yesterday for violating Republic Act 10361, otherwise known as the Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay. Bail was recommended at P12,000. Park will also be charged for another case of  less serious physical injuries.

The helper,  Lorna Enopia, was assisted by the Provincial Women’s Commission in filing the case.  Enopia’s mother works as a househelp of Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

In her affidavit, Enopia said she moved to Cebu City from her hometown in Dalaguete in June 2014 to look for a job and pursue a degree in college.

She was hired by Juhee Kim, a neighbor of Magpale in Paradise Village in barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City.

Enopia started working for Juhee on April 9, 2014. Park, Juhee’s mother, arrived from Korea a week after.

Enopia said she and a co-worker were having breakfast in the kitchen when Park came in and began shouting at them.

Park  suddenly grabbed the helper’s left arm tightly and pulled her to the kitchen and started beating her with her hands,  Enopia stated in her affidavit.

She said the Korean  twisted her arm, injuring it. After the incident, she and the other househelp resigned.

A medical report from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center showed that Enopia suffered an abrasion on her left forearm.

Magpale, co-chairperson of the Cebu Provincial Women’s Commission, assisted Enopia in filing a case against Park before the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office last year.

The Domestic Workers Act is aimed at protecting the rights of domestic workers against abuse, harassment, violence, economic exploitation and performance of work that is hazardous to their physical and mental health. Violators will be fined P10,000 to P40,000 and face civil and criminal liability.