MANILA - The Philippine Embassy in New Zealand is aware of the report about an allegedly exploited overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who now relies on donations and reportedly boils meat bones as food.

"We are looking into this case, including with regard to his recruiter and employer," said Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Gary Domingo.

Domingo said the post has also coordinated with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Canberra regarding the case of OFW Kim Villaranda in Christchurch.

Villaranda's case was reported by stuff.co.nz.

In the report, Villaranda found help in one Sarah Brunton after installing carpet in her garage in 2018. He told her that he was forced to work overtime with no breaks.

The report said Brunton assisted Villaranda in filing for a formal complaint with local authorities.

The OFW came to New Zealand as a qualified plumber. His employer made him work laying carpets even when he was hired as assistant warehouse manager.

Currently, Villaranda is on a visitor visa and is looking for another job while he fights his case against his former boss.

He hopes to remain working in New Zealand to support his family and pay obligations in the Philippines.

He said in the report that he tries to save whatever he could with his situation in order to send something home to his family. He now relies on donations and buys meat bones intended for dogs for his food.