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Article

4 Nov 2024

Author:
By Michelle Abad, Rappler (Philippines)

Away from spotlight, illegally recruited OFWs find aid, justice elusive

… In 2023, Lisa, together with at least six other fellow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were friends and friends of friends, came across a Facebook post offering opportunities to work in South Korea as farmers.

The recruiter was named Nenita Yumul Sangullas. She had several agents working with her, such as a certain Carol Caballero and Juanito Lacson, according to their sworn statement they signed when they complained to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The OFWs said Lacson had claimed to be representing a local government unit (LGU) that the group could no longer recall.

Apart from the issues in above-board agreements in the Korea Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) among LGUs, illegal recruiters have been using the program’s name for bogus opportunities.

While this may not necessarily be under the control of authorities, what is, is whether or not to help the victims, especially as the Philippine government often highlights how serious it is about curbing illegal recruitment of OFWs…

For months, Lisa’s group had waited for even just an assurance that they were qualified AKSYON Fund beneficiaries. Surely, now that their recruiter was arrested, they would be given assistance, they thought…

We also brought up with Cacdac the recruitment scheme in Paete…