Be wary of job recruiters, Commission on Filipinos Overseas warns

MALASIQUI: The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) urged the public to be vigilant against human trafficking after it recently helped rescue a Pangasinense who was promised a job but was instead forced to marry a Chinese national who abused her. Secretary Romulo Arugay said in a virtual press conference on Tuesday that the CFO conducts information and education campaigns nationwide to help prevent human trafficking. 'We are going to catch them. There is no place for them,' he said. Arugay said the Pangasinense was promised employment in China by a Filipino and Chinese couple. He said the victim was subjected to abuse by her husband and brother-in-law. She was rescued through the joint efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing and the CFO. A case for violation of Republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act was filed against the recruiters. Among the red flags of human trafficking are rushed or speedy processing of documents and low salary as against the workload being offered. Hu man trafficking cases may be reported to CFO hotline (+632) 1343 or through www.1343actiononline.ph. Source: Philippines News Agency