ZAMBOANGA CITY: Many Filipinos fall
victims to illegal recruitment for reasons of poverty, DOLE Reg. Dir. Sisinio
Cano said recently.
He explained that poverty is driving
people to easily become potential victims of illegal recruitment.
This is in spite of several advocacy
drives against illegal recruitment and human trafficking warning people of the
repercussions, many are still victimized.
Cano regrets this scenario making
the poor people as “willing victims,” adding that their optimism to earn more
is possibly what drives them to take the risk.
He cited the recent rescue of four
people allegedly illegally recruited from Cagayan de Oro City to work as bar
girls.
The DOLE also said thousands have
already fallen victims to illegal recruitment and human trafficking in the city,
being used as a jump-off point by many recruiters.
Reports have said the victims come
from other provinces, cities and municipalities not only in Mindanao but in
Luzon and Visayas as well.
News stories depict victims reveal
their ordeal reporting of inhumane treatment they receive from their so-called employers.
Most of the victims were brought to
Malaysia and other countries as far as the Middle East as sex slaves.
The national and the local
government units are doing their best to address illegal recruitment, Cano
shared, citing several strategies including advocacies and information made
available to the public.
Meanwhile, to avoid being victims,
Cano urged the job-seeking public to verify if such recruiters are licensed or with
questionable background and registered with the POEA. (WITH REPORTS FROM PIA)