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Friday, October 08, 2004
Sex slaves file raps vs illegal recruiters
THE Negrense women who claimed to have been prostituted in Sabah, Malaysia filed charges of estafa and violation of anti-trafficking of persons against three recruiters before the Manila Prosecutor's Office.
One of the three victims, whose name is being withheld by Sun.Star Bacolod, said the charges were filed against their recruiters, Joan Bocago of Tigcauayan, Quezon, and couple Francis and Lorna Villanueva of Pandacan, Manila.
Personnel of the Presidential Anti-Illegal Recruitment Task Force headed by Reynaldo Jaylo arrested the suspects in an entrapment operation.
The victim said Bocago apologized when the latter was arrested but they replied, "Wala ka man gani naluoy sa amon (You did not pity us)."
The Villanuevas were arrested inside a fastfood chain in Pedro Gil, Malate last October 1 while trying to convince the victim to work in Singapore for only P15,000 through direct hiring.
Bocago, on the other hand, was arrested three days later in another fastfood chain at Harrison Department Store in Manila, while having a meeting with three possible victims.
The victim added the Villanuevas offered them big pay if they do not pursue the filing of charges.
She, however, is adamant, saying: "We will pursue the case."
Another victim, the youngest among the three, said the charges will not be for their sake alone but that of the other victims.
The victim said she hopes that other victims of white slavery in Malaysia will be rescued soon.
"We are in good hands right now and are willing to testify against our recruiters," she said.
One of the victims earlier said they were made to work as prostitutes at the Coconut Pub and Karaoke Lounge VIP at Lot 3, Block 20, Indah Saya in Mile Jalan Labok owned by Malaysian-Chinese brothers Michael and Alex.
She believed that Sabah police as well as some personnel of the Immigration help protect the syndicated group by allowing the entry of women from the Philippines to work as prostitutes.
(October 8, 2004 issue)
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