Filipinos told to follow legal process in seeking work abroad

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

FILE: Passengers waiting to board their flight. (PCI photo)

MANILA – The government on Monday reminded Filipinos seeking overseas employment to go through only the legal and proper channels to ensure their safety.

This follows the successful repatriation of 176 Filipinos who were allegedly victims of human trafficking in illegal scam centers in Myawaddy, Myanmar.

In a press briefing at Malacañang on Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro appealed to Filipinos aspiring to work abroad to adhere to proper legal procedures to avoid falling prey to trafficking syndicates.

“Nakikiusap po tayo sa mga Pilipino na nagnanais na magtrabaho sa ibang bansa: Dumaan lang po sana sa tamang proseso (We appeal to Filipinos who want to work abroad: Please go through the proper process),” Castro said.

Castro emphasized the importance of cooperating with government processes and agencies such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), which safeguards overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by ensuring they get legitimate and safe employment opportunities.

She urged the public to work with government authorities to avoid such situations.

The 176 OFWs were successfully repatriated back to the country on Wednesday.

Aside from psychosocial services, they will also be given financial assistance by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to help them start anew.