Latest news with #POGO-like
Filipino Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Gatchalian urges crackdown as Pakistan emerges as new transit point for human trafficking
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday expressed serious concern over reports identifying Pakistan as a new transit hub being exploited by human trafficking syndicates to facilitate the illegal deployment of Filipinos abroad. The senator urged the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking and other law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in dismantling criminal networks operating across international routes. 'Reports indicating Pakistan as a new human trafficking route are deeply alarming. The government must act swiftly to put an end to human trafficking,' Gatchalian said in a statement. He also warned that individuals formerly linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) may be behind the illegal operations. 'Malamang na mga taong dating sangkot sa POGO ang gumagawa ng ganitong kriminalidad na nambibiktima ng mga walang malay nating kababayan,' the senator added. The senator's remarks came after four Filipinos were intercepted at NAIA Terminal 3 on July 6 while attempting to fly to Pakistan, where they had been recruited to work as cleaners and a cook in an online gaming compound. The Bureau of Immigration described the incident as a 'dangerous shift in trafficking patterns similar to POGO-like operations.'
Filipino Times
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DMW vows to expose illegal POGO hub recruiters targeting Filipinos
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is committed to identifying those responsible for the illegal recruitment of Filipinos, who were promised good job opportunities but were instead trafficked to POGO-like hubs in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. 'We are determined to get to the bottom of this issue and identify those behind these illegal recruitment operations,' said Atty. Bernard P. Olalia, Undersecretary for Licensing and Adjudication Services. He added that the DMW aims to ensure that the practices leading workers into illegal migration routes are stopped. Following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to safeguard migrant workers, Usec. Olalia assured that criminal cases will be filed against those responsible once the recruiters are identified. The DMW has already implemented a system to address trafficking, which includes deploying a labor attaché in Thailand to coordinate with local authorities and working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT). Recently, 12 victims of trafficking from Myanmar were repatriated to the Philippines and provided financial aid through the Aksyon Fund, along with other support services. Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac revealed that one of the repatriated individuals was, in fact, an illegal recruiter who had posed as a distressed OFW. The individual was immediately arrested and is now under investigation. This case highlights the tactic used by illegal recruiters to pose as trafficking victims and travel with legitimate workers during repatriation. Cacdac reminded the public to be cautious of online recruitment schemes, emphasizing that legitimate recruitment agencies always have physical offices. Olalia also mentioned that other OFWs in Thailand are awaiting repatriation, with many still processing their documents after escaping their employers and abandoning their visas and passports. The DMW remains ready to assist trafficking victims and urges the public to stay alert and verify job offers and recruitment agencies. Those who have fallen victim to illegal recruitment or trafficking are encouraged to report to the DMW for support.
