Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today said that the Philippine Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, had ensured the safety of two Filipinas who were victimized by human traffickers and had succeeded in reuniting one of the Filipinas with her family and is in the process of bring the other Filipina back to the Philippines.

“I would like to commend the prompt action of our officers and staff in our embassy in Brunei, under the able leadership of Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez,” the Secretary said.

“At the same time, I would like to reiterate our warning that jobseekers should take extra care in dealing with recruiters.  On our part, we will be cooperating with police and justice officials in pursuing criminal actions against the human traffickers who are responsible,” the Secretary added.

In a report to the Home Office, Ambassador Benavidez said that the two Filipinas were recruited as guest relations officers or restaurant helpers in a restaurant in Labuan, Sabah.  But that upon arrival, they were forced into prostitution. Ambassador Benavidez said that the two Filipinas were then brought to Brunei with the objective of re-entering Labuan and renewing their entry and stay permits.

“Our posts are always ready to serve the needs of our people, particularly in instances like this one, where they are victimized by human trafficking syndicates,” the Secretary said.

“Our embassy in Brunei also debriefed the victims and obtained their sworn statements which we hope will aid in the investigation and prosecution of the members of the human trafficking ring that victimized them,” he added. END.