The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the government to take immediate action against 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 revealed that syndicates actively target Filipinos seeking jobs abroad, luring them into illegal activities under false pretenses.
He called on the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to work together to prevent Filipinos from falling victim to these schemes.
“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 stated.
He also emphasized the need for stronger public awareness campaigns to warn job seekers about the dangers of these fraudulent job offers. “The risks include torture, human trafficking, and other criminal activities linked to scam hubs,” he cautioned.
The BI recently intercepted five suspected victims of illegal recruitment at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 before they could board a flight to Hong Kong.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado disclosed that the group—four men and one woman—had been recruited through social media for jobs in scam hubs disguised as online gambling firms or call centers in Cambodia.