Senator alarmed over recruitment of Filipinos for overseas scam hubs

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Citing intelligence reports, Gatchalian said syndicates are actively targeting Filipinos seeking job opportunities abroad, luring them into illegal operations. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday called for immediate government action to stop the recruitment of Filipinos for overseas scam hubs, warning that such operations expose workers to human trafficking, torture, and other crimes.

Citing intelligence reports, Gatchalian said syndicates are actively targeting Filipinos seeking job opportunities abroad, luring them into illegal operations.

He urged the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Migrant Workers to collaborate in preventing the departure of Filipinos recruited for these scam hubs.

“Law enforcement agencies should also coordinate with their foreign counterparts to rescue victims and strengthen intelligence efforts to prevent syndicates from exploiting Filipinos seeking greener pastures abroad,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

The senator also called on the government to intensify efforts in warning job seekers about the dangers of engaging in such illicit activities, emphasizing that they could unknowingly become victims themselves.

“The risks include torture, human trafficking, and other criminal activities linked to scam hubs,” he said.

The BI recently intercepted five suspected victims of illegal recruitment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 before they could board a flight to Hong Kong.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the group – four men and one woman – was allegedly recruited via social media to work in scam hubs disguised as online gambling firms or call centers in Cambodia.