Rethinking the Approach to Repatriated Filipinos
The Philippine government is being urged to investigate whether human traffickers are among Filipinos repatriated from abroad to prevent more victims from falling prey. Such a call was made by a Department of Justice (DOJ) official who emphasized the need for a more thorough screening process.
Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Felix Ty shared insights from the Cambodian government during a recent briefing, highlighting the importance of identifying not only victims but also perpetrators among those rescued.
“Baka maari nating pag isipan muli yung napaka liberal na approach sa ating kababayan. Ang mga kababayan natin na nalinlang sa isang scam hub sa Cambodia, tinuturing na nating sila biktima, pinapauwi, binigyan ng ayuda at kung anu-ano,” Ty said.
(Maybe we should rethink our approach to our countrymen. We treat Filipinos deceived by a scam hub in Cambodia as victims, repatriate them, and gave them aid.)
Learning from Cambodia’s Screening Process
Ty pointed out that Cambodia implements a stricter assessment to differentiate between victims and criminals. “Sa Cambodia, hindi ganun ka simple. Para sa kanila dapat mas suriin ang mga taong nito. Alamin kung sino ba ang biktima, sino ang kriminal, perpetrator. Kaya yun yung isa sa ginagawa natin,” he added.
(It’s not that simple in Cambodia. They scrutinize their people. They investigate who the victims are and who the criminals and perpetrators are. That’s what we are doing.)
In April, two groups of Filipinos were rescued and brought home from scam operations in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia. Around the same time, three suspected illegal recruiters were arrested upon returning from Myanmar, along with seven repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Examining the Reality of Human Trafficking Among Repatriates
Ty raised concerns about cases where Filipinos involved seem aware of their actions. “Maraming kababayan alam na kanilang ang ginagawa. Kung ganyan ang situation, maituturing na ba natin silang biktima ng human trafficking?” he asked.
(Many of our countrymen know what they’re doing. If that is the situation, can they be considered victims of human trafficking?)
He also questioned whether those repatriated should continue receiving aid or be held accountable for their involvement. “Kung sakaling napauwi na sila ulit, bibigyan pa ba sila ng ayuda o ang mas matindi doon, dapat ba managot sila sa mga ibag pagkakamali na ginagawa nila?”
(If they were repatriated, will we give them aid or should they be held accountable?)
According to reports, there have been 15 human trafficking cases recorded in the country this year.
Public Cooperation and Warning to Potential Traffickers
Ty called on the public to report suspicious job offers by contacting the DOJ Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking through their hotline at 1343. He also issued a stern warning to Filipinos contemplating involvement in human trafficking.
“Yung ibang Pilipino, mukhang alam na nila yung ginagawa nila kaya sana magdalawang isip na kayo dahil baka naman sa sususnod na kayo maharap sa piligro, hindi na kayo ganoon kadali mauwi o baka mas malala pa, magbago na ang turing pamahalaan sa inyo at makita na hindi lang kayo simpleng biktima, kung hindi kayo rin ay mga recruiter o facilitator ng human trafficking,” Ty said.
(Filipinos who seem to know what they’re doing should think twice because once caught again, it will be harder for you to return home, or worse, the government may treat you not just as victims but also as recruiters or facilitators of human trafficking.)
Addressing the complex issue of human trafficking among repatriated Filipinos requires vigilance, stricter screening, and cooperation between authorities and communities.
For more news and updates on human trafficking among repatriated Filipinos, visit Filipinokami.com.
