10 Pinays working in Malaysia bar rescued

MANILA, Philippines - Ten Filipino women who fell victim to human trafficking were rescued in a raid recently conducted by Malaysian police and immigration authorities in Bintulu, Sarawak, the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur said yesterday.

Reports said the victims were recruited as service crew in Baila Me Karaoke Bar, but ended up working as guest relations officers. They arrived in Malaysia on Feb. 6.

The Filipino women were forced to work beyond regular hours and only earned from the commission on drinks bought by their customers, reports said.

A concerned Malaysian citizen emailed the embassy about the condition of the Filipinos, and the contact number of one of the victims. The victims requested immediate assistance when contacted by embassy officials.

Upon representation of the embassy’s police attaché Charlo Collado, Royal Malaysian police rescued the Filipino women.

Police also arrested a Chinese-Malaysian, said to be operator of the bar, who is now under investigation for violation of the Malaysian Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act of 2007.

“We are grateful to the Malaysian police authorities for their immediate action on our request. Cooperation between police and other authorities, as well as vigilance among the general public, is essential in combating human trafficking,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said.

The Filipino women are staying at a shelter, pending investigation of the case.

Malaya said the embassy would process their repatriation after police have taken their testimonies.

Livelihood for returning OFWs

Meanwhile, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the government is repackaging its reintegration program for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“I have instructed those in charge of our reintegration program to come out with a package specifically for those OFWs who may need big capital,” Baldoz said.

She said the government is offering between P300,000 to P2 million in capital.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier forged an agreement for the implementation of a program for OFWs who intend to go into agribusiness.

Baldoz said the DOLE is also negotiating for an agreement with private companies that would provide assistance to OFWs who plan to venture into manufacturing.

Baldoz said the DOLE and OWWA plan to intensify their reintegration program so that more OFWs would stay in the country for good instead of returning abroad.

OWWA reported that a big number of OFWs are already nearing retirement age and they must be provided the option to return home for good.

Baldoz said many OFWs in Europe have expressed desire to return home and inquired of possible businesses they could put up in the country. – With Mayen Jaymalin