I left because our life was very difficult. I no longer had a father. I wanted to leave so I could give my siblings a better future. So they could finish school. Even if I may not be able to finish myself, I wanted them to finish school so we could all help my mum.
It started when a friend introduced me to their parents. That’s when the mother told me that she could help me find work. Then she took me to the agent’s house. The agency told me that I could have a better future in Manila and I’d be able to send money to my mum.
My job was to do the laundry, clean, mop the floors and iron clothes. They took care of me like their own daughter. But as time passed they started beating me. There was no resting. I worked everyday even if I was tired.
I couldn’t escape because the whole house was locked. Even my room was locked. When I got sick they wouldn’t take me to the doctor. They hit my head with a hammer, stabbed me with scissors, and a screwdriver. Then I was whipped with a thick electrical cable. They poured hot water on my face. My head bled and my face was swollen.
If I escaped I would have been putting my family in danger. They said they’d hold them captive and they’d be my replacement for work. They said I owed them money for water, utilities, food and the airfare. They didn’t pay me my salary.
I was screaming and suddenly lost consciousness. But the neighbours heard me, and that’s when they called the guard and told him that something was happening in the house.
The police came and rushed into the unit. That’s when they rescued me and took me to the hospital.
If you know it’s wrong don’t do it. Just go home.
As told to documentary makers at MTV Exit.
