PNP probes syndicates forcing Filipinos into foreign military service

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday it has launched an investigation into an alleged human trafficking scheme which has recruited Filipinos and later forced them into foreign military service abroad.

"We are looking into the details of this report to come up with the best strategies in protecting our kababayan (countryman) from this modus in coordination with other government agencies and foreign counterparts," PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

"The PNP urges the public to immediately report any knowledge of these activities so we can act on these concerns right away. I also remind our kababayans to be careful and vigilant against these possible scams," he added.

Based on reports to authorities, victims were first recruited for what appeared to be legitimate overseas employment but their contracts were later changed. Then, the victims were compelled to serve in foreign militaries.

Local police units are currently coordinating with foreign counterparts to identify and dismantle syndicates behind the scheme.

According to the PNP, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking first disclosed the scheme, leading to coordination among law enforcement agencies.

Nartatez advised jobseekers looking for opportunities abroad to be vigilant. The PNP said it would support sustained information campaigns to raise awareness about the trafficking scheme.

In January, a Filipino allegedly died in Ukraine while fighting alongside Russian forces.

The next month, it was reported that a Filipino from Alcala, Pangasinan who allegedly fought for Russia became a prisoner of war in Ukraine.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the same month said four other Filipinos who had served as mercenaries for Russia were held also as prisoners of war in Ukraine. — VDV, GMA News