POEA warns OFWs vs. ‘joint operations’ of drug, human traffickers

Human traffickers and illegal recruiters have joined forces with drug traffickers to target prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration warned Tuesday.

POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said these syndicates target OFWs heading for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states that have a "no tourist visa" pact with the Philippines.

"I would advise aspiring OFWs to be doubtful when recruiters offer tourist visas instead of working visas if planning to work abroad and never accept packages of unknown nature. Please be very, very careful and always check whether the recruiter, foreign employer, and the job order are in POEA records," he said.

He noted the Philippines has a "no tourist visa" arrangement with fellow ASEAN member states such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand.

Cacdac said the combined operation of illegal recruiters and human and drug traffickers would involve convincing victims to carry or use packages or luggage not their own.

Even if the victims manage to get through airport security with the illegal drugs, they could end up "either stranded without work in a foreign country, or forced to accept low-paying household jobs or as farm hands in remote plantations or establishments used as fronts for prostitution," Cacdac said.

He added human and drug traffickers can also turn their recruits into seasoned drug mules by having them repeatedly carry drugs for big money.

"The amount of money is used as bait for victims to commit the internationally-recognized crime of drug trafficking," Cacdac said.

Victims' profiles

Cacdac cited recent studies on human trafficking in the Philippines showing most victims were travelers deceived by their recruiters about their real jobs or the conditions of their employment overseas.

Drug traffickers who pose as recruiters also lend their bags to the recruits or request recruits to bring a package for "pasalubong," he said.

With this, the POEA chief said the recruits "unwittingly becoming couriers in the process."

Work visas

Cacdac also reminded OFWs that even if Southeast Asian destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, and Thailand do not require visas for tourists, "work visas or permits are still required in order to work in these countries or destinations."

"Make sure the you are dealing with a licensed recruiter, and that you have a contract with a definite employer and a work visa or permit before leaving the Philippines," he added.

Meanwhile, Cacdac said those with questions or complaints against illegal recruiters and human traffickers may approach or call the central and regional offices of the POEA, Labor, Foreign Affairs and Justice Departments, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, or Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News