The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday warned aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) anew against illegal recruitment schemes following another human trafficking incidents involving two Filipinas in Malaysia. In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco underscored the need to undergo legal employment processes to ensure their safety against illegal recruiters. “Taking shortcuts may lead to severe consequences, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of our fellow Filipinos,” he said. ‘These predators will only entice you with promises of greener pastures… Do not be the next victim,’ Tansingco said. In the latest incident, the two Filipinas, ages 29 and 21, were forced to be sex workers upon their arrival in Malaysia. Unlike the proper employment procedure under the Department of Migrant Workers, the victims disclosed either being recruited online or promised a high salary for a waitress position. The 29-year-old victim recalled that although she was not promised a fixed salary amount, she was not initially charged predeparture fees. The BI said her employer forced her to be a sex worker, allegedly to pay for the expenses incurred for her departure amounting to PHP150,000. In the case of the 21-year-old victim, she was promised a monthly salary of PHP40,000, but she was eventually drugged and forced to drink alcohol so she may perform sexual acts for customers. The two Filipina victims were repatriated on June 21 and 26, respectively. Authorities also provided assistance to the two repatriated victims upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
Source: Philippines News Agency
