Solon wants probe of Pinoy trafficking in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines - A party-list representative is seeking a congressional inquiry into the alarming increase in the reported cases of human smuggling in Singapore that is being linked to cheaper air tickets.

In a statement on Monday, Alliance for Rural Concerns Rep. Narciso Santiago III, said Congress should investigate reports claiming that Filipino trafficking in Singapore had reached record high last year due to the introduction of budget air fares.

Santiago said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cited a report by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Belen Fule Anota revealing that there were 212 cases of human trafficking in 2007, a 70 percent increase from the 125 cases reported in 2006.

Singapore is among the top destinations in Asia among unskilled and low-skilled Filipino workers. Illegal recruiters often lure Filipinas into working as food servers in Singapore only to be duped later on as prostitutes in the Lion City's red light district or in neighboring Malaysia.

According to Santiago, the report described the increase as "alarming" even as it noted that the figure might represent only a small fraction.

"Those interviewed have said many others were either unable or too afraid to escape from where they were being exploited," Santiago said.

According to Santiago, budget airfares served as the aggravating factor as it significantly lower the cost of travel from the Philippines to Singapore, making it easier and cheaper for traffickers to victimize Filipinas.

Santiago said the embassy was also blaming the network of illegal recruiters that allegedly managed to persuade their recruits through various modes of deception.

"Filipino victims are pushed to try their luck in Singapore not only because of poverty but also because of the promise of a lucrative job overseas. The report states that the existence of a large number of bars or pubs in Singapore’s red light districts fuel the demand for Filipino women," he said.

Santiago said the operation involves illegal recruiters promising young women non-existent jobs as waitresses or guest relations officers in restaurants and hotels in Singapore.

The exploited workers are charged a minimum of $100 as recruitment fee, according to Santiago. They are also given "round trip tickets where the return ticket is oftentimes fake, a fake invitation letter, and 'show money' for presentation to Philippine immigration officials who scrutinize their financial capacity as tourists."

"They are forced to provide sexual services to customers and earn commissions from alcoholic drinks to enable them to pay the $1,000 to $4,000 they allegedly owe their handlers," Santiago said. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV

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