More than 300 Pinoys rescued from working in scam hubs in Myanmar

More than 300 Filipinos were rescued from working in scam hubs in Myanmar, according to the report of John Consulta on "24 Oras" Tuesday.

Moreover, three of the 346 Filipinos - who were repatriated from Thailand - were arrested by personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly being involved with a syndicate and working as recruiters.

They were recruited to work, not hotels and IT companies, but in suspected scam hubs in Myanmar.

"Base sa interview sa sworn statement taking namin sa victims ng human trafficking, inidentify po nila yung mga subject natin as their recruiter," said NBI Human Trafficking Division chief Agent Sally Laguardia.

(Based on the interviews and sworn statements we took from victims of human trafficking, they identified our subjects as their recruiters.)

"Bale 3 ang ating inaresto among the repatriates tapos 16 ang ating complainants," she added.

(We arrested three persons among the repatriates and 16 are complainants.)

According to the NBI, some of those who were arrested already hold high positions at the scam hub in Myanmar who recruit Filipinos online.

"Sa tagal na nila roon sa mga scam hubs, sila ay mga HR na. Sila na ang nagrerecruit sa mga kababayan natin from here at nasa Thailand, narerecruit na nila. Enticing them with high pays." said Agent Jimmy de Leon, NBI International Airport Investigation Division chief.

Meanwhile, NBI Drector Atty. Lito Magno said a key point in the Anti-Human Traffking law is that it is borderless.

"Ibig sabihin kahit ang recruitment ay parehong nasa ibang bansa, pwede po silang idemanda dito sa atin," he said.

(This means that even if the recruitment is in another country, they can be sued here.)

"Alam po namin minsan pagasa ang pinupuntahan. Sa pagbalik niyo naman po at kayo ay nabiktima, hustisya naman ang ibibigay ng inyong gobyerno," Magno added.

(We know that sometimes hope is what we bring to where we are going. When you return and you are victimized, your government will provide justice.)

The suspects, who underwent inquest, have not issued a statement on charges related to the Anti-Human Trafficking-in Persons Act and Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act.

The NBI also advised Filipinos who plan to work abroad to be careful in choosing the jobs that they accept.

"Magingat tayo. Pag nirecruit tayo, pinapangakuan ng magandang pasahod, pakikitaan ng magandang lugar kung saan sila magtratrabaho," said Magno.

(Let's be careful. When we are recruited, they promise us a good salary, show a good place where they will work.)

"Meron pong red flags. Pag kayo ay na-recruit, idinaan sa backdoor, itinawid kayo ng dagat, isinakay ng kung ano mang sasakyan sa di tamang ruta, o sa pakiramdam ninyo ay kakaiba, pairalin natin ang self preservation," he added.

(There are red flags. If you have been recruited, taken through the backdoor, taken across the sea, put on a vehicle that is on the wrong route, or you feel strange, let's enforce self preservation.) — BAP, GMA Integrated News