A PARTNERSHIP between the Philippine National Police and the Royal Thai Police last March 22 led to the rescue of an overseas Filipina worker who was reportedly raped and impregnated by her Iraqi employer in Thailand before being forced to undergo an abortion, PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. announced yesterday.

Calling it a remarkable display of international cooperation, the PNP chief said the collaboration between the PNP and the Royal Thai Police on Tuesday likewise resulted in the arrest of Ibrahim Hashim Al-ami, the Iraqi national accused of subjecting the Filipina victim to a horrific ordeal.

Gen. Acorda said last March 22, Royal Thai policemen, acting on information provided by the Office of the Police Attache’ in Thailand and the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok conducted the rescue operation in Pattaya district.

The operation came three days after the Royal Thai Police’s Foreign Affairs Division was requested by the Philippine Embassy to locate and ensure the well-being of a distressed OFW whose identity was withheld for her own protection.

Gen. Acorda said that the Thai police likewise sought the assistance of the Foreign Affairs Division of the Interpol Bangkok headed by Major Gen. Khemmarin Hassiri.

The Thai policemen fully acted on the Philippine government request and obtained a search warrant from a local court which enabled them to raid the Iraqi national property and make the arrest.

The top cop said that the raid led to the successful rescue of the abused Filipina and the arrest of Al-ami and his wife who were both placed under the custody of the Pattaya City Police Station for further investigation and filing of criminal charges.

The PNP chief said that during the rescue operation, a Social Welfare Officer was present to support the victim and provide a safe space for her to recount the harrowing details of the rape incident and forced abortion.

Later, the victim underwent a thorough medical examination at the Banglamung Hospital, where she was prescribed antibiotics for her forced abortion condition.

Further medical and psychological evaluations were conducted on the victim a week after her rescue, according to Gen. Acorda.

The PNP chief said that the victim was expected to attend the court hearing for the rape case filed against her employer in Pattaya.

Gen. Acorda expressed his gratitude to the Royal Thai police for helping them rescue the distressed Pinay.

“This remarkable rescue operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our law enforcement agencies in protecting the rights and welfare of our citizens, particularly our overseas Filipino workers,” he said.

“We are grateful for the excellent coordination and collaboration between the Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Police Attaché, under the supervision of the Philippine Embassy Bangkok. This joint effort sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any form of abuse against our fellow Filipinos, wherever they may be,” he added.

Gen. Acorda said that the successful rescue operation serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippines and Thailand in combating transnational crimes and terrorism in Southeast Asia.

The authorities involved in this operation have exemplified their dedication to ensuring the safety and security of their citizens, while simultaneously holding those who violate their rights accountable, he emphasized.

The top cop said that the PNP and its international counterparts remain resolute in their commitment to protect and support overseas Filipino workers and ensure their well-being and bring justice to them in the face of any adversity they may encounter abroad.