PH eyes cases vs. recruiters of Filipinos rescued in Laos scam hub

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City on Aug. 24, 2024. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The Philippines is working to file cases against the recruiters of Filipino nationals who were rescued in a cyber scam crackdown in Laos.

At the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Philippine authorities will get the statements of the victims once they return to the country.

“DMW particularly stands ready to help upon arrival of the… I would call them victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking,” he said.

“We will work with the DOJ (Department of Justice) in terms of filing the necessary charges. We will get the statements of the victims to pinpoint who recruited them here in the Philippines and file the necessary charges,” he added.

At least 129 Filipinos have sought government assistance so far following the crackdown on illegal companies located within the so-called Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR.

Seven have returned to the Philippines while about 75 more are being processed for repatriation.

More than 700 foreign nationals were arrested on Aug. 12 at the GTSEZ, which has become associated with illicit activities, including alleged online scam operations and trafficking of foreign nationals lured on false promises of legitimate work.

At the forum, Cacdac said the Filipino human trafficking victims will receive assistance, in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Meanwhile, he warned the public not to fall prey to unlicensed recruiters enticing Filipinos to work in other Southeast Asian countries, like Laos.

“Dito pa lang dapat mayroon nang kontrata dadaan sa DMW.

Gagawaran kayo ng clearance ng DMW. Iyan po ang mahalaga para hindi kayo mabiktima ng (You need a contract that will go through the DMW for clearance.

That is important so that you won’t fall victim to an) illegal recruiter,” he said.

He explained that the visa-free arrangement for Filipinos in select states is only for tourists.

Flying to Southeast Asian countries for employment requires a work visa.