THE Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) of the Justice Department has issued a warning to the public regarding the reality of human trafficking, following the recent repatriation of two Filipinos from Myanmar who worked there as “love scammers” but were subjected to physical and mental abuse.
In a Facebook post, the IACAT urged the public to report any related incidents to 1343 Actionline if within Metro Manila or (02) 1343 if outside Metro Manila.
Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco disclosed that the couple arrived in the Philippines in April after working as “love scammers” in Myanmar.
According to the victims, they were treated like people in military training, subjected to physical abuse, threats, and starvation as consequences for not reaching their quota.
They also did not receive proper compensation from their employers, who recruited them via social media through a certain “Maxesa.”
The victims claimed that a male immigration officer facilitated their departure from the Philippines, along with another victim who was intercepted during secondary checks.
The immigration officer has been removed from his post, and an administrative case is set to be filed against him.
The couple flew to Bangkok from Singapore and were transported by armed men to Mae Sot City, where they eventually took a boat ride to Myanmar. The victims managed to escape their employers and were assisted by the Philippine Embassy in Thailand.
Tansingco warned immigration personnel against involvement in illegal cross-border activities and said he would defend those who were not involved, but would not hesitate to take action against anyone who participated in illegal activities.
metrosundaily
