DFA: Sex-for-fly allegation vs DOLE official confirmed

MANILA, Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert Del Rosario said on Monday that "certain allegations" of the sex-for-fly scheme victimizing distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have been "confirmed."

 

"Certain allegations were confirmed and this was accomplished by the three witnesses from Riyadh (in Saudi Arabia) coming forward and providing us their testimony," Del Rosario said at a televised press briefing on Monday.

 

He said those confirmed were allegations of sexual harassment, molestation, and abuse of authority.

 

"However, until such time as other people are able to come forward, all other allegations will remain as allegations to be further investigated," Del Rosario said.

 

While they are "looking at various alleged offenders," Del Rosario said the confirmed accusations involved an official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) who reportedly molested a distressed OFW in exchange of repatriation.

 

The embattled official has been recalled as of Monday and will be investigated once he arrives in the Philippines.

 

The DFA is looking at the filing of graft and corruption cases against those proven guilty, according to Del Rosario.

 

The official assured that they will investigate all of those who have been involved in the allegations. He also urged other victims and witnesses to surface.

 

Last week, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Walden Bello disclosed that three labor officials in the Middle East are allegedly involved in pimping distressed OFWs in exchange for a ticket back to the Philippines.

 

At least four female OFWs have since surfaced, claiming that they were forced to do sexual activities with labor officers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and were also offered to foreign nationals.

 

One of the accused , labor attaché to Jordan Mario Antonio, has denied the allegations.

 

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