Pinoy human trafficking victim in Myanmar among those rescued in POGO raid in PH
By Jun Ramirez
A Filipino rescued from human trafficking syndicate in Mynmar turned out to be among those apprehended in a recent raid on a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco has disclosed.
Tansingco said they learned of the background of the rescued Filipino in Myanmar from a report of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
"It's disheartening to witness these victims falling prey to exploitation time and again," Tansingco said.
He also lamented that despite the government's efforts to support repatriated victims, they often return to their former employers after being brought back.
The BI chief endorsed IACAT's proposal to discourage victims who venture abroad without proper documentation or end up with similar companies in the Philippines.
Tansingco believes this action will dissuade workers from engaging in illegal employment opportunities.
In addition to discouraging illicit work, Tansingco has renewed his call for a comprehensive government approach to tackling trafficking at its source.
"We must implement programs that guide these victims away from unlawful industries and prevent them from being ensnared in this cycle," he added.