REPRESENTATIVE Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino of the OFW Party-list issued a warning on Wednesday, April 30th, to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) regarding emerging scams, specifically the “torn passport” scheme and new cases of illegal recruitment reported in Bahrain.
According to a recent report by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), there have been incidents where airline or immigration personnel allegedly damage passengers’ passports to prevent them from boarding their flights. Passengers are then pressured to pay additional fees or are denied boarding altogether. The DOTr has warned airlines that they will be held accountable if found involved in such activities.
Rep. Magsino urged passengers, particularly OFWs, to safeguard their passports and be vigilant against suspicious behavior from airport personnel. She stated, “We must not be fooled and allow our countrymen to be harmed. Develop a critical eye and do not readily entrust your documents to airport personnel unless the process is clear.”
The lawmaker also raised concerns about reports of illegal recruitment in Bahrain. Two rescued victims at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) reported being made to sign contracts they did not fully understand and were promised work in Bahrain. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced it is currently investigating the syndicate sending Filipinos to Bahrain under low wages and dubious contracts.
As Chairperson of the Anti-Trafficking OFW Movement and Observer of the Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Rep. Magsino reiterated the importance of her proposed House Bill 7865: An Act Providing for an Anti-Illegal Recruitment Law of the Philippines and for Other Purposes, and Appropriating Funds Therefor. This bill aims to consolidate provisions against illegal recruitment and human trafficking into a single law, increase penalties for deceitful agencies, and strengthen the capabilities of authorities through coordination with foreign counterparts in combating the broader operations of these syndicates.
Rep. Magsino emphasized, “I want to assure every OFW that the #83 OFW Party-list will not tolerate these abuses. Under my leadership, we will immediately file resolutions to investigate these cases and continue to push for accountability from those involved.
