Business Mirror
Wednesday, 03 August 2011 21:02 Mia Gonzalez / Reporter
MALACAÑANG said on Wednesday that it is “working overtime” to comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, which it hopes would be enough to upgrade the Philippines’ ranking to Tier 1 in the global fight against the menace.
President Aquino made the commitment at the ceremony to hand over the petition to stop trafficking of children and young people—signed by some 470,000 Filipinos—at the Malacañang Heroes’ Hall, where he said he is working hard to improve the economy to make Filipinos less vulnerable to human-trafficking syndicates.
“I assure all of you that we will not cease in our efforts and that the Philippines will put in extra hours to make certain that we comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, so that we may rise to another tier,” he said.
The President said the human-trafficking situation in the country “is getting a bit better,” as shown by the recognition it received from the United States, which upgraded the Philippines from its Tier 2 Watch list to its Tier 2 list in the US 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report.
He assured those who attended the ceremony that the Philippines supports their advocacies.
“We are, and we will continue to fulfill the implementation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act to prevent human trafficking, and to provide protection and services to those who’ve already been victimized,” he said, adding that his administration has convicted 32 human traffickers in just a year, and “filed cases against many more.”
The President said that Filipino children seem to be prone to being trafficked because about 20 percent of country’s population live below the poverty line, which is why “the first part of my platform deals with job generation and we have been making significant inroads.”
“We have to improve the economy, make them less vulnerable. The economy provides us the resources to hire more personnel to go after all of these people who would seek to prey on the most vulnerable sectors,” he said.
Ecpat (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of children for sexual purposes) International, through its chairman Amihan Abueva, urged the President to develop sustainable and comprehensive community-based prevention programs aimed at the most vulnerable groups; allocate funding for the effective implementation of interventions and strengthen the capacity of social service providers.
Ecpat also urged the President to intensify specific programs for the recovery and reintegration of children victims of sex trafficking.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Actress accused by maids of abuse ordered to attend hearing
Philippine Daily Inquirer
1:35 am | Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Actress Maricel Soriano has been summoned by barangay (village) officials in Makati City to answer the complaint filed against her by two of her housemaids.
The two house helpers had accused her of physical and verbal abuse.
According to Michael Gonzales, Barangay Poblacion administrator, barangay chairman Benhur Cruz has ordered Soriano to attend a hearing at the barangay hall this afternoon.
A resident of Rizal Building in Rockwell, Soriano was warned that she may be barred from filing a counterclaim should she refuse or fail to appear at the hearing.
“But she has three chances [to appear],” Gonzales said, adding that the actress could not just send her lawyer. “She has to personally appear at the hearing.”
On June 30, May Cachuela, 22, and Camille Acojedo, 18, filed a complaint against Soriano with the barangay.
According to Cachuela, Soriano became angry and kicked her leg after she failed to arrange her clothes the way the actress wanted it.
Both claimed that Soriano would often curse them for no apparent reason.
Gonzales said that two other housemaids filed a complaint against Soriano in February but it was dismissed when they failed to pursue it.—Tina G. Santos
1:35 am | Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Actress Maricel Soriano has been summoned by barangay (village) officials in Makati City to answer the complaint filed against her by two of her housemaids.
The two house helpers had accused her of physical and verbal abuse.
According to Michael Gonzales, Barangay Poblacion administrator, barangay chairman Benhur Cruz has ordered Soriano to attend a hearing at the barangay hall this afternoon.
A resident of Rizal Building in Rockwell, Soriano was warned that she may be barred from filing a counterclaim should she refuse or fail to appear at the hearing.
“But she has three chances [to appear],” Gonzales said, adding that the actress could not just send her lawyer. “She has to personally appear at the hearing.”
On June 30, May Cachuela, 22, and Camille Acojedo, 18, filed a complaint against Soriano with the barangay.
According to Cachuela, Soriano became angry and kicked her leg after she failed to arrange her clothes the way the actress wanted it.
Both claimed that Soriano would often curse them for no apparent reason.
Gonzales said that two other housemaids filed a complaint against Soriano in February but it was dismissed when they failed to pursue it.—Tina G. Santos
Monday, July 4, 2011
Maricel Soriano alleged to have verbally and physically abused helpers
Manila Bulletin
By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA
July 4, 2011, 10:03am
MANILA, Philippines – Two of actress Maricel Soriano's house helpers have accused her of verbal and physical abuse.
In a taped interview on “The Buzz” aired July 3, the 22-year old May Cachuela and 18-year old Camille Acojedo–who started work for the actress in her condo unit at Rockwell, Makati City just last June 18–claimed that Soriano had often dealt with them using harsh words.
“Bawat pasok ko po doon, laging mura ang naaabot [ko]. Laging mura, kahit 'yung nagpapaabot lang ho siya, magmumura siya.
“Si Ma'am ho, ayaw niya ng konting mangatwiran kami. Gusto niya ho lagi ho siyang tama. Siya lagi ang pakikinggan,” Cachuela said.
Meanwhile, Acojedo related, “Naranasan ko lang po kasi kay ma'am talaga 'yung pagmumura niya po kasi po hindi naman po namin masikmura talaga 'yung mura.
“Talaga pong ipapamukha pa niya kung ga'no kalutong... parang pinapakain niya po kasi sa 'min 'yung mura niya eh,” she stressed.
The tale of two helpers
The two first gained attention when they appeared as guest on Mon Tulfo’s radio show on DZIQ on Thursday. In the same “The Buzz” interview, Tulfo related how Cachuela and Acojedo sought their help.
“May tumawag sa amin, 'yung ate nung May na taga-Zambales. Sinabi na binugbog daw 'yung kanyang kapatid ni Maricel Soriano. Sabi nung staff ko, patakasin mo, patakbuhin mo sa barangay.
“Kinaumagahan sinundo ng aking staff. Pina-medical, tapos isinumbong sa barangay,” he said.
As if the verbal abuse wasn’t enough, the two househelp claimed they also failed to take their meals at times because of Soriano’s alleged demanding nature.
“Kakaasikaso po kasi sa kanya kaya po hindi kami makakain sa oras, sa sobrang pag-aasikaso, sobrang pag-aano ng bahay niya. Minsan po hindi po namin alam 'di pa pala kami kumakain...” Acojedo said.
“Kasi doorbell siya nang doorbell. Hindi na po kami masyado kumakain kasi po doorbell siya nang doobell, tawag ho siya nang tawag,” Cachuela, in tears, continued.
The two females related to “The Buzz” what drove them to leave Soriano’s home last Wednesday. That day, Cachuela, Acojedo and two other maids were tending to Soriano’s things as the latter was scheduled for a recording.
“May hinahanap po siyang mga kulay yellow, so hindi ko ho alam na bitbit po nung isang katulong namin. Tapos may hinananap na naman po siya, bilog na pang-make up daw ho niya. Hindi namin mahanap so 'yun nagwala na ho siya, nagmumura, sabi ho niya 'Papatayin ko kayo,'” Cachuela said.
“[Pinaabot] ho niya 'yung cigarette case niya, 'I-abot mo 'yung cigarette case ko,' sabi niya sa 'kin. Eh, 'di, inabot ko sa kanya. Tapos ho nung inabot ko sa kanya, umiiyak po ako kasi hindi ko mapigilan.
“Lumapit si sir Chen [Soriano’s son who lives with her at the unit]. Tapos nung binigay ko ho 'yung cigarette case, sinipa niya [Soriano] ho ako...
“Nung sabi niya, 'Iiyak ka pa ha? Magpa-medical ka kung gusto mo.' Sabi niya, 'Hindi ako matatakot sa'yo, magdemanda ka? Sige magdemanda ka! Marami akong pera,' sabi niya. 'Hindi mo ako kaya,' sabi niya.
“'Babarilin kita!' sabi niya. Kukuha na ho siya ng baril eh. Nung malaman na ni sir Chen na kukuha na siya, pumunta ho siya sa 'kin. Niyakap niya ko, 'Please mom, don't do that,' sabi niya. 'Don't hurt her, ako na lang,' sabi niya. 'Please kung gusto niyong gawin yan, ako na lang. Unahin mo na lang ako,' sabi niya. 'Ako na lang saktan mo, sabi niya.'
“So yun, nagpapasalamat ako kay sir Chen. 'Sir Chen, please, 'wag mo kong iwan please. Dito ka lang,' sabi ko sa kanya.
“Hindi niya magawa dahil nandun si sir Chen. So umalis na ho siya [Soriano] dahil nagmamadali daw ho siya,” Cachuela continued at length.
At 11 p.m. that same day, Soriano was said to have returned home and asked to see Cachuela and Acojedo.
“Nung pinatawag niya kami, minura-mura niya ko. Sabi niya, 'Bakit, iiyak ka pa?' sabi niya. 'Bakit, magdedemanda ka? Sige. Hindi niyo ko kaya, May,' sabi niya sa 'kin. Isa ka lang hampaslupang katulong.'
"Nanginginig ho kaming dalawa, hindi namin alam gagawin namin.,” Cachuela said.
After this incident, the two escaped Soriano’s unit and sought refuge with the security.
“Nung dumating na 'yung dalawang katulong, tinanong namin sila kung gusto nilang bumaba rin. Kami ayaw na namin talaga. Nagpa-ano kami sa mga security guard, sa mga admin, 'Sir please tulungan niyo kami, tumakas lang kami so itago niyo ho kami please.' Tinago nila kami,” said Cachuela.
Allegedly, a seething Soriano called the building’s administration to ask for the two upon finding out that they've left the unit.
“Nagwala ho siya. Tumawag ho siya sa admin, sinasabi na pabalikin daw kami. Nung tinawagan ko 'yung driver nila, sabi ko, 'Kuya gusto ko ng umuwi, kuya please tawagin mo na si sir Chen, pababain mo na siya. Siya na lang mag-ano,” said Cachuela, adding that Chen was the one who signed their clearance.
Maricel’s PA tells a different story
However, according to Inday Castillo – Soriano’s personal assistant who apparently was the one who recruited the two as househelp – Cachuela and Acojedo allegedly stole from Soriano.
“Ang sabi ho ni ma'am Inday, nagkakalkal daw ho ako ng bag niya. So binabalikad ho kami ngayon. Sabi ko lang naman, kung magnanakaw ho kami, kung may ninakaw man kami, eh bakit wala silang nakita sa clearance?
“Kinakapkapan na ho kami ng mga security, pinicture-an 'yung mga bag namin, lahat ng mga dala namin... Wala ho silang na-ano eh,'" Cachuela reasoned.
According to the report, the two escapees have already filed a blotter against Soriano with the Brgy. Poblacion precinct in Makati. A hearing is already scheduled on July 6; if Soriano fails to show up twice, a case against her may already be filed by the police, according to the same “The Buzz” report.
Cachuela and Acojedo are determined to push through with the case.
“Marami na daw mga katulong na bumaba na sinasaktan ho niya, na sinabuyan daw ng mga mainit na tubig, pinukpok daw ng kung anu-ano. Hindi ho sila lumaban, 'yung mga katulong na'yon dahil, ewan ko, binayaran daw po sila.
“Kailangan naming lumaban para sa hustisya na namin. Hindi kasi ako makatulog sa gabi eh,” Cachuela tearfully said.
As of this writing, Soriano remains mum on the whole issue. Her business manager, Malou Choa-Fagar, told “The Buzz” that the actress is not planning to issue an official statement.
More, “The Buzz” reported that the remaining two househelp have left Soriano’s condo unit last Friday.
By JULIEN MERCED C. MATABUENA
July 4, 2011, 10:03am
MANILA, Philippines – Two of actress Maricel Soriano's house helpers have accused her of verbal and physical abuse.
In a taped interview on “The Buzz” aired July 3, the 22-year old May Cachuela and 18-year old Camille Acojedo–who started work for the actress in her condo unit at Rockwell, Makati City just last June 18–claimed that Soriano had often dealt with them using harsh words.
“Bawat pasok ko po doon, laging mura ang naaabot [ko]. Laging mura, kahit 'yung nagpapaabot lang ho siya, magmumura siya.
“Si Ma'am ho, ayaw niya ng konting mangatwiran kami. Gusto niya ho lagi ho siyang tama. Siya lagi ang pakikinggan,” Cachuela said.
Meanwhile, Acojedo related, “Naranasan ko lang po kasi kay ma'am talaga 'yung pagmumura niya po kasi po hindi naman po namin masikmura talaga 'yung mura.
“Talaga pong ipapamukha pa niya kung ga'no kalutong... parang pinapakain niya po kasi sa 'min 'yung mura niya eh,” she stressed.
The tale of two helpers
The two first gained attention when they appeared as guest on Mon Tulfo’s radio show on DZIQ on Thursday. In the same “The Buzz” interview, Tulfo related how Cachuela and Acojedo sought their help.
“May tumawag sa amin, 'yung ate nung May na taga-Zambales. Sinabi na binugbog daw 'yung kanyang kapatid ni Maricel Soriano. Sabi nung staff ko, patakasin mo, patakbuhin mo sa barangay.
“Kinaumagahan sinundo ng aking staff. Pina-medical, tapos isinumbong sa barangay,” he said.
As if the verbal abuse wasn’t enough, the two househelp claimed they also failed to take their meals at times because of Soriano’s alleged demanding nature.
“Kakaasikaso po kasi sa kanya kaya po hindi kami makakain sa oras, sa sobrang pag-aasikaso, sobrang pag-aano ng bahay niya. Minsan po hindi po namin alam 'di pa pala kami kumakain...” Acojedo said.
“Kasi doorbell siya nang doorbell. Hindi na po kami masyado kumakain kasi po doorbell siya nang doobell, tawag ho siya nang tawag,” Cachuela, in tears, continued.
The two females related to “The Buzz” what drove them to leave Soriano’s home last Wednesday. That day, Cachuela, Acojedo and two other maids were tending to Soriano’s things as the latter was scheduled for a recording.
“May hinahanap po siyang mga kulay yellow, so hindi ko ho alam na bitbit po nung isang katulong namin. Tapos may hinananap na naman po siya, bilog na pang-make up daw ho niya. Hindi namin mahanap so 'yun nagwala na ho siya, nagmumura, sabi ho niya 'Papatayin ko kayo,'” Cachuela said.
“[Pinaabot] ho niya 'yung cigarette case niya, 'I-abot mo 'yung cigarette case ko,' sabi niya sa 'kin. Eh, 'di, inabot ko sa kanya. Tapos ho nung inabot ko sa kanya, umiiyak po ako kasi hindi ko mapigilan.
“Lumapit si sir Chen [Soriano’s son who lives with her at the unit]. Tapos nung binigay ko ho 'yung cigarette case, sinipa niya [Soriano] ho ako...
“Nung sabi niya, 'Iiyak ka pa ha? Magpa-medical ka kung gusto mo.' Sabi niya, 'Hindi ako matatakot sa'yo, magdemanda ka? Sige magdemanda ka! Marami akong pera,' sabi niya. 'Hindi mo ako kaya,' sabi niya.
“'Babarilin kita!' sabi niya. Kukuha na ho siya ng baril eh. Nung malaman na ni sir Chen na kukuha na siya, pumunta ho siya sa 'kin. Niyakap niya ko, 'Please mom, don't do that,' sabi niya. 'Don't hurt her, ako na lang,' sabi niya. 'Please kung gusto niyong gawin yan, ako na lang. Unahin mo na lang ako,' sabi niya. 'Ako na lang saktan mo, sabi niya.'
“So yun, nagpapasalamat ako kay sir Chen. 'Sir Chen, please, 'wag mo kong iwan please. Dito ka lang,' sabi ko sa kanya.
“Hindi niya magawa dahil nandun si sir Chen. So umalis na ho siya [Soriano] dahil nagmamadali daw ho siya,” Cachuela continued at length.
At 11 p.m. that same day, Soriano was said to have returned home and asked to see Cachuela and Acojedo.
“Nung pinatawag niya kami, minura-mura niya ko. Sabi niya, 'Bakit, iiyak ka pa?' sabi niya. 'Bakit, magdedemanda ka? Sige. Hindi niyo ko kaya, May,' sabi niya sa 'kin. Isa ka lang hampaslupang katulong.'
"Nanginginig ho kaming dalawa, hindi namin alam gagawin namin.,” Cachuela said.
After this incident, the two escaped Soriano’s unit and sought refuge with the security.
“Nung dumating na 'yung dalawang katulong, tinanong namin sila kung gusto nilang bumaba rin. Kami ayaw na namin talaga. Nagpa-ano kami sa mga security guard, sa mga admin, 'Sir please tulungan niyo kami, tumakas lang kami so itago niyo ho kami please.' Tinago nila kami,” said Cachuela.
Allegedly, a seething Soriano called the building’s administration to ask for the two upon finding out that they've left the unit.
“Nagwala ho siya. Tumawag ho siya sa admin, sinasabi na pabalikin daw kami. Nung tinawagan ko 'yung driver nila, sabi ko, 'Kuya gusto ko ng umuwi, kuya please tawagin mo na si sir Chen, pababain mo na siya. Siya na lang mag-ano,” said Cachuela, adding that Chen was the one who signed their clearance.
Maricel’s PA tells a different story
However, according to Inday Castillo – Soriano’s personal assistant who apparently was the one who recruited the two as househelp – Cachuela and Acojedo allegedly stole from Soriano.
“Ang sabi ho ni ma'am Inday, nagkakalkal daw ho ako ng bag niya. So binabalikad ho kami ngayon. Sabi ko lang naman, kung magnanakaw ho kami, kung may ninakaw man kami, eh bakit wala silang nakita sa clearance?
“Kinakapkapan na ho kami ng mga security, pinicture-an 'yung mga bag namin, lahat ng mga dala namin... Wala ho silang na-ano eh,'" Cachuela reasoned.
According to the report, the two escapees have already filed a blotter against Soriano with the Brgy. Poblacion precinct in Makati. A hearing is already scheduled on July 6; if Soriano fails to show up twice, a case against her may already be filed by the police, according to the same “The Buzz” report.
Cachuela and Acojedo are determined to push through with the case.
“Marami na daw mga katulong na bumaba na sinasaktan ho niya, na sinabuyan daw ng mga mainit na tubig, pinukpok daw ng kung anu-ano. Hindi ho sila lumaban, 'yung mga katulong na'yon dahil, ewan ko, binayaran daw po sila.
“Kailangan naming lumaban para sa hustisya na namin. Hindi kasi ako makatulog sa gabi eh,” Cachuela tearfully said.
As of this writing, Soriano remains mum on the whole issue. Her business manager, Malou Choa-Fagar, told “The Buzz” that the actress is not planning to issue an official statement.
More, “The Buzz” reported that the remaining two househelp have left Soriano’s condo unit last Friday.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Congress to heed ILO resolution
Manila Bulletin
By BEN R. ROSARIO
June 19, 2011, 5:37pm
MANILA, Philippines -- The chairman of the House Committee on Labor Sunday vowed to heed the International Labor Organization’s resolution seeking more benefits and better labor conditions for household helpers or kasambahay, saying that pending measures will be prioritized by the legislative body.
Northern Samar Rep. Emil Ong, head of the Philippine delegation to the ILO convention in Geneva, Switzerland, said various legislative proposals that were filed before his committee will be immediately taken up as soon as Congress session resumes next months.
Among the bills filed are HB 4477 or the Kasambahay measured authored by Ong and House Bill 0003, a proposal granting scholarship and education benefits for deserving house helpers.
HB 0003 has been refilled by newly-inducted Ilocos Sur Rep. Ryan Luis Singson. Singson said the bill was originally filed by his elder brother, former Rep. Ronald Singson, whom he replaced following a special election held last month.
“The right to education should not be denied our kasambahay. Extreme poverty has denied many of them this right, we must help them regain it,” Singson said.
The new lawmaker lauded the labor committee for agreeing to prioritize pro-kasambahay measures even as he vowed to support other bills that would extend domestic helpers employed locally and abroad more benefits and better protection against abuses.
In batting for the approval of HB 4477, Ong cited a study conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicating that around 215 million children are employed around the world.
HB 4477 prohibits the hiring of minors under 18 years old as househelpers.
Ong said the so-called Kasambahay bill protects minors against many forms of abuses committed mostly by employers.
“They do not go to school and have little time or no time to play. Many do not receive proper nutrition care, practically denied the chance to be children,” he said.
In the Philippines, the number of domestic workers ranges from 600,000 to 2.5 million.
By BEN R. ROSARIO
June 19, 2011, 5:37pm
MANILA, Philippines -- The chairman of the House Committee on Labor Sunday vowed to heed the International Labor Organization’s resolution seeking more benefits and better labor conditions for household helpers or kasambahay, saying that pending measures will be prioritized by the legislative body.
Northern Samar Rep. Emil Ong, head of the Philippine delegation to the ILO convention in Geneva, Switzerland, said various legislative proposals that were filed before his committee will be immediately taken up as soon as Congress session resumes next months.
Among the bills filed are HB 4477 or the Kasambahay measured authored by Ong and House Bill 0003, a proposal granting scholarship and education benefits for deserving house helpers.
HB 0003 has been refilled by newly-inducted Ilocos Sur Rep. Ryan Luis Singson. Singson said the bill was originally filed by his elder brother, former Rep. Ronald Singson, whom he replaced following a special election held last month.
“The right to education should not be denied our kasambahay. Extreme poverty has denied many of them this right, we must help them regain it,” Singson said.
The new lawmaker lauded the labor committee for agreeing to prioritize pro-kasambahay measures even as he vowed to support other bills that would extend domestic helpers employed locally and abroad more benefits and better protection against abuses.
In batting for the approval of HB 4477, Ong cited a study conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicating that around 215 million children are employed around the world.
HB 4477 prohibits the hiring of minors under 18 years old as househelpers.
Ong said the so-called Kasambahay bill protects minors against many forms of abuses committed mostly by employers.
“They do not go to school and have little time or no time to play. Many do not receive proper nutrition care, practically denied the chance to be children,” he said.
In the Philippines, the number of domestic workers ranges from 600,000 to 2.5 million.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Domestic help protected in new ILO convention
Business World Philippines
June 16, 2011 11:00:23 PM
GENEVA -- The International Labor Organization yesterday passed a landmark treaty giving protection to an estimated 52.6 million domestic workers across the world.
The new convention would ensure domestic workers enjoyed conditions "not less favorable" than other workers, requiring governments to ensure they understood their rights, preferably through written contracts.
Domestic workers get a full rest day per week and should not remain with an employer’s household during their annual leave or rest days.
The convention, which was adopted with 396 votes for, 16 against and 63 abstentions, will come into effect upon the ratification of two countries.
The Philippines and Uruguay have asaid they would ratify the accord.
"This is a historic moment at the 100th session of the International Labour Conference, and we are making an important turning point," said a United Arab Emirates envoy, speaking on behalf of Gulf states, all of which supported the treaty.
ILO data, which is a compilation of national statistics, indicate that there were at least 52.6 million domestic workers worldwide in 2010. But there are reasons to believe that the true number could lie close to 100 million, the agency added.
Joining the convention is only the first step.
Countries would not have to implement the treaty until ratification, while others can also opt not to sign up, which could reduce its bite.
While it has secured the support of countries ranging from the United States, Indonesia and Brazil, others, such as Britain, abstained. -- AFP
June 16, 2011 11:00:23 PM
GENEVA -- The International Labor Organization yesterday passed a landmark treaty giving protection to an estimated 52.6 million domestic workers across the world.
The new convention would ensure domestic workers enjoyed conditions "not less favorable" than other workers, requiring governments to ensure they understood their rights, preferably through written contracts.
Domestic workers get a full rest day per week and should not remain with an employer’s household during their annual leave or rest days.
The convention, which was adopted with 396 votes for, 16 against and 63 abstentions, will come into effect upon the ratification of two countries.
The Philippines and Uruguay have asaid they would ratify the accord.
"This is a historic moment at the 100th session of the International Labour Conference, and we are making an important turning point," said a United Arab Emirates envoy, speaking on behalf of Gulf states, all of which supported the treaty.
ILO data, which is a compilation of national statistics, indicate that there were at least 52.6 million domestic workers worldwide in 2010. But there are reasons to believe that the true number could lie close to 100 million, the agency added.
Joining the convention is only the first step.
Countries would not have to implement the treaty until ratification, while others can also opt not to sign up, which could reduce its bite.
While it has secured the support of countries ranging from the United States, Indonesia and Brazil, others, such as Britain, abstained. -- AFP
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Trafficking of Filipinos in Haiti worsens
The Manila Times
June 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Human traffickers are running circles on Philippine authorities, despite a crackdown on the illegal deployment of Filipinos for non-existent jobs in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, according to diplomatic sources.
The sources said at least 40 more overseas Filipino workers were reported to have arrived in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince since the embassy exposed the illegal deployment of 26 workers last year.
Many of these workers remain jobless or are able to find only part-time work, and at rates much lower than the $2,000 to $3,000 managerial posts promised them by the recruiters, leaders of the small but closely-knit Filipino community (FilCom) in Haiti said.
Ambassador Alfredo Maximo, charge d’affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Havana (Cuba), which has diplomatic jurisdiction over Filipinos in Haiti, said the recruiters are now deploying the OFWs by getting them tourist visas in nearby countries like the Bahamas. From there, they are given visas tourist visas, believed to be spurious, to get to Port-au-Prince.
“The recruiters have found a new way to deflect immigration scrutiny. They hide the true destination of the OFWs,” Maximo, who visited Port-au-Prince on May 15-22, said via email. “They bring them first to Nassau, Bahamas before sending them to Port-au-Prince, probably using fake stamped visas. Cuban immigration officials have found such fake visas in the past from OFWs who were coursed through Cuba by their recruiters.”
The ambassador said the recruiters falsify the Bahamian visa, including the signature of the Bahamian Consul in Havana, adding that embassy officials have already met with Bahamian diplomats in Havana to warn them about the current modus operandi used by recruiters to bring in hapless OFWs to Haiti via Nassau.
“Take note that the Haitian government does not require visas for Filipinos in the Caribbean who want to travel to Haiti as tourists. This loophole is currently being used by illegal recruiters to bring in undocumented workers to Haiti,” Maximo explained.
Maximo said they have already reported the suspected illegal recruiters to authorities in Haiti. However, the Haitian bureaucracy tends to be slow and it is saddled by the more urgent task of rebuilding from the devastating earthquake and its attendant challenges.
Maximo failed to identify the illegal recruiters, but other sources said some of the new arrivals were recruited by the group of Leo Maning, who has been reported by Philippine consular officials to Haitian authorities.
The same sources said another recruiter, a certain Armand Palisoc, is illegally deploying Filipino workers for non-existent jobs. Palisoc is said to be a U.S.-based operator who moved to Port-au-Prince, after the earthquake last year, to recruit OFWs to Haiti.
“Palisoc also figured prominently in the recruitment of the 50 OFWs who worked for one year at E-Power (the Haitian power company) last year,” said another source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
“When said OFWs arrived in Haiti, they found out that they were receiving considerably less salaries than what was stipulated in their contract with their recruiter, a Korean company named DEECO, which has periodically surfaced in previous cases of illegal recruitment to Haiti, including that of Jesus “Jess” Laurenaria,” the source added.
Consular and community leaders, including Honorary Consul Fitzgerald Brandt, FilCom president Frankie Bagadiong and Filipino missionary priest Fr. Andrew Labatorio, are trying to reach out to the newly-arrived OFWs to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Charge d’affaires Maximo said “the main selling point [used by illegal recruiters] in bringing people to Haiti is the impression that Filipinos over there have managerial and supervisory positions.”
That impression, of course, is wrong.
“Nowadays, finding jobs in Haiti is becoming very difficult as many of the newly-arrived recruitment victims have found out,” Maximo said.
Maximo admitted that the embassy or the Philippine government can only do so much without a formal complaint of a case being filed by the victims.
He added that so far, he is only aware of one case filed against the alleged perpetrators, but the case is not moving because the complainant is still in Haiti trying to look for a job.
Maximo was referring to the lawsuit filed by Laurenaria through her sister, Lourdes Laurenaria, in Manila.
According to Maximo, the embassy recently repatriated two of the trafficking victims — Edward Acosta and Joselito Miranda, who requested that they be returned to the Philippines.
Maximo and FilCom leaders said they are hoping Acosta and Miranda would file charges against their recruiters, so they could be prosecuted and sent to prison.
LAZARO Y. MEDINA JR.
June 12, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Human traffickers are running circles on Philippine authorities, despite a crackdown on the illegal deployment of Filipinos for non-existent jobs in earthquake-ravaged Haiti, according to diplomatic sources.
The sources said at least 40 more overseas Filipino workers were reported to have arrived in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince since the embassy exposed the illegal deployment of 26 workers last year.
Many of these workers remain jobless or are able to find only part-time work, and at rates much lower than the $2,000 to $3,000 managerial posts promised them by the recruiters, leaders of the small but closely-knit Filipino community (FilCom) in Haiti said.
Ambassador Alfredo Maximo, charge d’affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Havana (Cuba), which has diplomatic jurisdiction over Filipinos in Haiti, said the recruiters are now deploying the OFWs by getting them tourist visas in nearby countries like the Bahamas. From there, they are given visas tourist visas, believed to be spurious, to get to Port-au-Prince.
“The recruiters have found a new way to deflect immigration scrutiny. They hide the true destination of the OFWs,” Maximo, who visited Port-au-Prince on May 15-22, said via email. “They bring them first to Nassau, Bahamas before sending them to Port-au-Prince, probably using fake stamped visas. Cuban immigration officials have found such fake visas in the past from OFWs who were coursed through Cuba by their recruiters.”
The ambassador said the recruiters falsify the Bahamian visa, including the signature of the Bahamian Consul in Havana, adding that embassy officials have already met with Bahamian diplomats in Havana to warn them about the current modus operandi used by recruiters to bring in hapless OFWs to Haiti via Nassau.
“Take note that the Haitian government does not require visas for Filipinos in the Caribbean who want to travel to Haiti as tourists. This loophole is currently being used by illegal recruiters to bring in undocumented workers to Haiti,” Maximo explained.
Maximo said they have already reported the suspected illegal recruiters to authorities in Haiti. However, the Haitian bureaucracy tends to be slow and it is saddled by the more urgent task of rebuilding from the devastating earthquake and its attendant challenges.
Maximo failed to identify the illegal recruiters, but other sources said some of the new arrivals were recruited by the group of Leo Maning, who has been reported by Philippine consular officials to Haitian authorities.
The same sources said another recruiter, a certain Armand Palisoc, is illegally deploying Filipino workers for non-existent jobs. Palisoc is said to be a U.S.-based operator who moved to Port-au-Prince, after the earthquake last year, to recruit OFWs to Haiti.
“Palisoc also figured prominently in the recruitment of the 50 OFWs who worked for one year at E-Power (the Haitian power company) last year,” said another source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
“When said OFWs arrived in Haiti, they found out that they were receiving considerably less salaries than what was stipulated in their contract with their recruiter, a Korean company named DEECO, which has periodically surfaced in previous cases of illegal recruitment to Haiti, including that of Jesus “Jess” Laurenaria,” the source added.
Consular and community leaders, including Honorary Consul Fitzgerald Brandt, FilCom president Frankie Bagadiong and Filipino missionary priest Fr. Andrew Labatorio, are trying to reach out to the newly-arrived OFWs to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Charge d’affaires Maximo said “the main selling point [used by illegal recruiters] in bringing people to Haiti is the impression that Filipinos over there have managerial and supervisory positions.”
That impression, of course, is wrong.
“Nowadays, finding jobs in Haiti is becoming very difficult as many of the newly-arrived recruitment victims have found out,” Maximo said.
Maximo admitted that the embassy or the Philippine government can only do so much without a formal complaint of a case being filed by the victims.
He added that so far, he is only aware of one case filed against the alleged perpetrators, but the case is not moving because the complainant is still in Haiti trying to look for a job.
Maximo was referring to the lawsuit filed by Laurenaria through her sister, Lourdes Laurenaria, in Manila.
According to Maximo, the embassy recently repatriated two of the trafficking victims — Edward Acosta and Joselito Miranda, who requested that they be returned to the Philippines.
Maximo and FilCom leaders said they are hoping Acosta and Miranda would file charges against their recruiters, so they could be prosecuted and sent to prison.
LAZARO Y. MEDINA JR.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Binay calls for tougher stance against human trafficking
Business Mirror
Thursday, 28 April 2011 20:03
Butch Fernandez / Reporter
VICE President Jejomar Binay on Thursday batted for a tougher government crackdown against human traffickers as he called on judges, prosecutors and law enforcers to deliver “greater results” in the combating human trafficking.
Addressing the multiagency Summit on Trafficking in Persons, Binay said: “We must demonstrate greater results in efficiently investigating, prosecuting, and convicting both labor and sex trafficking offenders involved in the trafficking of Filipinos in the country and abroad.”
He pressed concerned agencies to increase efforts to “vigorously investigate and prosecute government officials complicit in trafficking, dedicate more resources and personnel to prosecuting trafficking cases and devote increased resources to victim and witness protection.”
Binay added that as the presidential adviser for overseas workers’ concerns, it is also his “personal advocacy to see that we increase our efforts to engage governments of destination countries, through diplomatic and law enforcement channels, in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking offenders.”
In attendance at the summit, convened by the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, were officials of the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of the Interior and Local Governments and the Philippine National Police, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Philippine Judicial Academy.
According to Binay, who serves as chairman emeritus of the Interagency Council Against Trafficking, “human trafficking remained one of the most pressing challenges to the Philippines” adding that “cooperation between law enforcers, prosecutors and judges was crucial in addressing the issue.”
He advised the summit participants to focus on “prosecution, protection and prevention,” which were the three key result areas outlined in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report of the United States State Department.
Thursday, 28 April 2011 20:03
Butch Fernandez / Reporter
VICE President Jejomar Binay on Thursday batted for a tougher government crackdown against human traffickers as he called on judges, prosecutors and law enforcers to deliver “greater results” in the combating human trafficking.
Addressing the multiagency Summit on Trafficking in Persons, Binay said: “We must demonstrate greater results in efficiently investigating, prosecuting, and convicting both labor and sex trafficking offenders involved in the trafficking of Filipinos in the country and abroad.”
He pressed concerned agencies to increase efforts to “vigorously investigate and prosecute government officials complicit in trafficking, dedicate more resources and personnel to prosecuting trafficking cases and devote increased resources to victim and witness protection.”
Binay added that as the presidential adviser for overseas workers’ concerns, it is also his “personal advocacy to see that we increase our efforts to engage governments of destination countries, through diplomatic and law enforcement channels, in the investigation and prosecution of trafficking offenders.”
In attendance at the summit, convened by the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, were officials of the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of the Interior and Local Governments and the Philippine National Police, the Department of Labor and Employment and the Philippine Judicial Academy.
According to Binay, who serves as chairman emeritus of the Interagency Council Against Trafficking, “human trafficking remained one of the most pressing challenges to the Philippines” adding that “cooperation between law enforcers, prosecutors and judges was crucial in addressing the issue.”
He advised the summit participants to focus on “prosecution, protection and prevention,” which were the three key result areas outlined in the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report of the United States State Department.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Aquino claim on trafficking corrected
Manila Standard Today
April 27, 2011
Eric B. Apolonio
THE American Embassy in Manila on Monday corrected reports that the United States had removed the Philippines from its watch list of “Tier 2” states that do not fully comply with the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
In an e-mail message sent to several publications, embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Brown Thompson said an interim report cited the “significant progress” that the Philippines had made in combating human trafficking, but mentioned no change in its status as a Tier 2 state.
The next tier ranking will be in the next annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which is scheduled for release in June.
The embassy statement contradicted President Benigno Aquino III’s announcement earlier this month that 22 convictions in human trafficking cases helped remove the Philippines from the US watch list. Mr. Aquino made the announcement in General Santos City during the national convention of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines.
The Philippines has been in the United States’ Tier 2 category since 2008.
A US State Department assessment says “there are many cases of overseas Filipino workers all over the globe who are victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.”
Filipino women are often lured abroad with false promises of legitimate employment, and are subjected to commercial exploitation in destinations throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America, the assessment says.
April 27, 2011
Eric B. Apolonio
THE American Embassy in Manila on Monday corrected reports that the United States had removed the Philippines from its watch list of “Tier 2” states that do not fully comply with the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
In an e-mail message sent to several publications, embassy spokeswoman Rebecca Brown Thompson said an interim report cited the “significant progress” that the Philippines had made in combating human trafficking, but mentioned no change in its status as a Tier 2 state.
The next tier ranking will be in the next annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which is scheduled for release in June.
The embassy statement contradicted President Benigno Aquino III’s announcement earlier this month that 22 convictions in human trafficking cases helped remove the Philippines from the US watch list. Mr. Aquino made the announcement in General Santos City during the national convention of the Prosecutors League of the Philippines.
The Philippines has been in the United States’ Tier 2 category since 2008.
A US State Department assessment says “there are many cases of overseas Filipino workers all over the globe who are victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.”
Filipino women are often lured abroad with false promises of legitimate employment, and are subjected to commercial exploitation in destinations throughout Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America, the assessment says.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Phl boosts campaign against human trafficking
The Philippine Star
April 21, 2011
By Edu Punay
MANILA, Philippines - The government has boosted its campaign against human trafficking operations in the country after joining forces with US-based human rights organization International Justice Mission (IJM).
In a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed yesterday afternoon, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and IJM committed to collaborate in combating trafficking and other violent exploitation of Filipino women and children through intensified rescue of victims and prosecution of perpetrators.
Under the MOA, the IJM would provide assistance to concerned agents of the National Bureau of Investigation, DOJ’s law enforcement arm, in terms of technical, legal and logistic support, capacity-building training, and prosecution of cases.
The non-government organization based in Washington also vowed to train NBI agents and DOJ prosecutors based on an updated manual on anti-human trafficking law enforcement and prosecution.
IJM national director for the Philippines Andrey Sawchenko said the move was part of their group’s commitment “to actively seek the protection of the law for those who most need it.”
“For those who are even now suffering in silence, victimized by traffickers and unable to win their own freedom, well-intentioned words will not be enough. They need rescue. They need security. They need to know that the public justice system will be working on their behalf,” he said.
The DOJ, for its part, vowed to strengthen anti-trafficking operations in Metro Manila, Cebu City and Angeles City in Pampanga - key areas identified to have relatively high rates of trafficking activity.
It is also tasked to prioritize resolution of human trafficking complaints and monitor the cases when they reach the courts. The department and IJM, under the MOA, would coordinate on capacity-building projects.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, in her message during the signing of MOA at the DOJ, cited the importance of IJM’s assistance in the government’s campaign against human trafficking operations.
“For so long, the Philippines has been seen as a haven for human traffickers, who use our nation as a source, destination and transit point for their operations. They’ve been met with so much success that trafficking in human beings is now considered worldwide as one of the most profitable criminal activities, next to the arms and illegal drug trade.
“Our aim is simple: succeed in removing the Philippines from their ‘trade route,’” said De Lima, also chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, DOJ official-in-charge of IACAT operations and human trafficking cases, also welcomed the MOA.
Earlier, DOJ officials have expressed optimism that the country would be removed from the Tier 2 watch list on human trafficking of the US State Department.
April 21, 2011
By Edu Punay
MANILA, Philippines - The government has boosted its campaign against human trafficking operations in the country after joining forces with US-based human rights organization International Justice Mission (IJM).
In a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed yesterday afternoon, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and IJM committed to collaborate in combating trafficking and other violent exploitation of Filipino women and children through intensified rescue of victims and prosecution of perpetrators.
Under the MOA, the IJM would provide assistance to concerned agents of the National Bureau of Investigation, DOJ’s law enforcement arm, in terms of technical, legal and logistic support, capacity-building training, and prosecution of cases.
The non-government organization based in Washington also vowed to train NBI agents and DOJ prosecutors based on an updated manual on anti-human trafficking law enforcement and prosecution.
IJM national director for the Philippines Andrey Sawchenko said the move was part of their group’s commitment “to actively seek the protection of the law for those who most need it.”
“For those who are even now suffering in silence, victimized by traffickers and unable to win their own freedom, well-intentioned words will not be enough. They need rescue. They need security. They need to know that the public justice system will be working on their behalf,” he said.
The DOJ, for its part, vowed to strengthen anti-trafficking operations in Metro Manila, Cebu City and Angeles City in Pampanga - key areas identified to have relatively high rates of trafficking activity.
It is also tasked to prioritize resolution of human trafficking complaints and monitor the cases when they reach the courts. The department and IJM, under the MOA, would coordinate on capacity-building projects.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, in her message during the signing of MOA at the DOJ, cited the importance of IJM’s assistance in the government’s campaign against human trafficking operations.
“For so long, the Philippines has been seen as a haven for human traffickers, who use our nation as a source, destination and transit point for their operations. They’ve been met with so much success that trafficking in human beings is now considered worldwide as one of the most profitable criminal activities, next to the arms and illegal drug trade.
“Our aim is simple: succeed in removing the Philippines from their ‘trade route,’” said De Lima, also chair of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).
Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar, DOJ official-in-charge of IACAT operations and human trafficking cases, also welcomed the MOA.
Earlier, DOJ officials have expressed optimism that the country would be removed from the Tier 2 watch list on human trafficking of the US State Department.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Rights Handbook
The Manila Times
April 2, 2011
Commission on Human Rights Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales and Center for Trade Union and Human Rights, Executive Director Daisy Arago shows to media the Human Rights Defender Handbook during its launching at The University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on Friday.
April 2, 2011
Commission on Human Rights Chairman Loreta Ann Rosales and Center for Trade Union and Human Rights, Executive Director Daisy Arago shows to media the Human Rights Defender Handbook during its launching at The University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City on Friday.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Justice refiles non-bailable cases against Tan’s brother
Manila Standard Today
November 30, 2010
by Rey E. Requejo
THE Justice Department has decided to pursue qualified trafficking charges against businessman Mariano Tanenglian, his wife and two children, an offense for which no bail is allowed and which carries a life sentence.
The case stems from a complaint filed in 2009 by a former maid, Mary Jane Sollano, who accused Tanenglian, the brother of taipan Lucio Tan, of keeping her against her will, beating her and forcing her to work without pay.
Tanenglian, his wife Aleta and children Fayette and Maximillian also face charges for serious illegal detention and child abuse.
In a resolution dated Nov. 24, Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar reversed a review resolution that cleared the Tanenglians of qualified trafficking and serious illegal detention.
“After careful evaluation, we find that there is reasonable ground to believe that respondents, in addition to the charge of child abuse, likewise committed the crime of serious illegal detention and ... qualified trafficking,” Salazar said.
The Tanenglians’ lawyer said the Quezon City Regional Trial Court had already dismissed the very same cases that the new Justice Department resolution now wanted reinstated.
“It does not matter if this is done before or after the arraignment of the accused[,] or that the motion was filed after a reinvestigation or upon instructions of the Secretary of Justice who reviewed the records of the investigation,” Raymundo Quiroz said, quoting a 1987 Supreme Court ruling.
Sollano said she was recruited in Zamboanga del Sur in June 2004, when she was only 13, to work as a domestic in Manila. She said that during her stay with the Tanenglians, she was forced to work from 4 a.m. to midnight without being paid, and that she suffered cruelty and ill treatment at their hands.
The first time she suffered physical abuse from her employers was in July 2004, when she was slapped several times by Aleta for having committed a mistake in her work, she said. After that, she was slapped, kicked, choked or slammed against the wall whenever she made a mistake.
She was also made to undress while the respondents took nude pictures of her and threatened to expose those to the public. She was beaten, chained by her neck until she could hardly breathe, and scalded with hot water when she was caught taking food from the refrigerator.
She was finally able to leave the house five years later, on Aug. 10, 2009, after another maid left and told her father of Sollano’s condition.
The father, who thought Sollano had died, coordinated with the Quezon City police, the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to get his daughter back.
A similar complaint was filed by Aljane Bacanto, who had also worked as a domestic for the respondents. She said she was 16 when she started working for the Tanenglians, she was not paid, and she and the other maids were not being fed enough that they were forced to steal food from the dogs. The Tanenglians asked other maids to strip naked and to do their chores without any clothes on.
They were all locked inside the house and were prevented from leaving. Bacanto said she was made to write letters to make it appear that she was in good hands when she was not.
Bacanto was finally freed when she got hold of a cell phone and called her mother, who tried to fetch her from the Tanenglian residence.
She recalled that she was sent one morning to the airport and sent home, and only later did she find out about her mother’s attempt to rescue her.
Bacanto filed charges of ill treatment and serious illegal detention against the Tanenglians.
On Jan. 12, 2010, the investigating prosecutor recommended the Tanenglians’ prosecution for qualified trafficking, serious illegal detention and child abuse, but a review dropped the first two charges before they were restored by the latest Justice Department resolution.
November 30, 2010
by Rey E. Requejo
THE Justice Department has decided to pursue qualified trafficking charges against businessman Mariano Tanenglian, his wife and two children, an offense for which no bail is allowed and which carries a life sentence.
The case stems from a complaint filed in 2009 by a former maid, Mary Jane Sollano, who accused Tanenglian, the brother of taipan Lucio Tan, of keeping her against her will, beating her and forcing her to work without pay.
Tanenglian, his wife Aleta and children Fayette and Maximillian also face charges for serious illegal detention and child abuse.
In a resolution dated Nov. 24, Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar reversed a review resolution that cleared the Tanenglians of qualified trafficking and serious illegal detention.
“After careful evaluation, we find that there is reasonable ground to believe that respondents, in addition to the charge of child abuse, likewise committed the crime of serious illegal detention and ... qualified trafficking,” Salazar said.
The Tanenglians’ lawyer said the Quezon City Regional Trial Court had already dismissed the very same cases that the new Justice Department resolution now wanted reinstated.
“It does not matter if this is done before or after the arraignment of the accused[,] or that the motion was filed after a reinvestigation or upon instructions of the Secretary of Justice who reviewed the records of the investigation,” Raymundo Quiroz said, quoting a 1987 Supreme Court ruling.
Sollano said she was recruited in Zamboanga del Sur in June 2004, when she was only 13, to work as a domestic in Manila. She said that during her stay with the Tanenglians, she was forced to work from 4 a.m. to midnight without being paid, and that she suffered cruelty and ill treatment at their hands.
The first time she suffered physical abuse from her employers was in July 2004, when she was slapped several times by Aleta for having committed a mistake in her work, she said. After that, she was slapped, kicked, choked or slammed against the wall whenever she made a mistake.
She was also made to undress while the respondents took nude pictures of her and threatened to expose those to the public. She was beaten, chained by her neck until she could hardly breathe, and scalded with hot water when she was caught taking food from the refrigerator.
She was finally able to leave the house five years later, on Aug. 10, 2009, after another maid left and told her father of Sollano’s condition.
The father, who thought Sollano had died, coordinated with the Quezon City police, the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to get his daughter back.
A similar complaint was filed by Aljane Bacanto, who had also worked as a domestic for the respondents. She said she was 16 when she started working for the Tanenglians, she was not paid, and she and the other maids were not being fed enough that they were forced to steal food from the dogs. The Tanenglians asked other maids to strip naked and to do their chores without any clothes on.
They were all locked inside the house and were prevented from leaving. Bacanto said she was made to write letters to make it appear that she was in good hands when she was not.
Bacanto was finally freed when she got hold of a cell phone and called her mother, who tried to fetch her from the Tanenglian residence.
She recalled that she was sent one morning to the airport and sent home, and only later did she find out about her mother’s attempt to rescue her.
Bacanto filed charges of ill treatment and serious illegal detention against the Tanenglians.
On Jan. 12, 2010, the investigating prosecutor recommended the Tanenglians’ prosecution for qualified trafficking, serious illegal detention and child abuse, but a review dropped the first two charges before they were restored by the latest Justice Department resolution.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Anti-smuggling summit
Manila Standard Today
by Manny Palmero
November 25, 2010
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and chairman Jesus Lim Arranza of the Federation og Philippine Industries firm up a memorandum Of agreement expressing the government-private sector joint effort to stop smuggling. The federation conferred awards for outstanding practices on four companies (lower panel): Sura Sak Kraiwitchaicharoen of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc., Teodorico Funtanar of Taiheiyo Cements Philippines Inc., Delfin de Guzman of Honda Cars Philippines, and Ma. Socorro Prado of Holcim Philippines. They were joined by Ernesto Ordonez, president of Cement Manufacturers Association; George Chua, FPI president and Meneleo J. Carlos Jr., chairman.
by Manny Palmero
November 25, 2010
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and chairman Jesus Lim Arranza of the Federation og Philippine Industries firm up a memorandum Of agreement expressing the government-private sector joint effort to stop smuggling. The federation conferred awards for outstanding practices on four companies (lower panel): Sura Sak Kraiwitchaicharoen of Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc., Teodorico Funtanar of Taiheiyo Cements Philippines Inc., Delfin de Guzman of Honda Cars Philippines, and Ma. Socorro Prado of Holcim Philippines. They were joined by Ernesto Ordonez, president of Cement Manufacturers Association; George Chua, FPI president and Meneleo J. Carlos Jr., chairman.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Nail Torture Shows Maid Abuse in Mideast
Bangkok Post
November 16, 2010
Human Rights Watch Tuesday urged Middle Eastern states to protect migrant workers after two Sri Lankan maids returned from the region with shocking stories of torture by their employers.
The New York-based rights group said accusations by three Sri Lankan maids that they were forced to swallow nails or had nails driven into their bodies highlighted a broad pattern of abuse of migrant domestic workers.
"The wanton brutality alleged in these cases is shocking, but reports of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and labour exploitation such as non-payment of wages are nothing new," said Nisha Varia, HRW's senior women?s rights researcher.
"The governments of Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia need to show they take such allegations seriously, and create accessible ways for domestic workers to report abuse as soon as it happens."
In August, a Sri Lankan housemaid gained worldwide attention after she complained that her Saudi employer drove 24 nails into her arms, legs and forehead as punishment.
Most of them were removed by surgeons at Sri Lanka's Kamburupitiya hospital.
The Saudi government and private sector officials in Riyadh have questioned the credibility of the woman's allegations.
Surgeons on Monday removed the last five wire nails from another Sri Lankan housemaid who accused her Kuwaiti employer of hammering 14 nails into her body when she asked for her salary after working for six months.
The authorities in Colombo are investigating another claim from a third Sri Lankan maid in Jordan who has alleged that she was forced to swallow six nails when she demanded her salary.
Sri Lanka's Foreign Employment Bureau chief, Kingsley Ranawaka, said they were awaiting a medical report to decide on action regarding the woman who is said to have been admitted to a hospital in Amman.
Some 1.8 million Sri Lankans are employed abroad, of whom 70 percent are women. Most work as housemaids in the Middle East while smaller numbers work in Singapore and Hong Kong, seeking higher salaries than they would get at home.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/206695/nail-torture-shows-maid-abuse-in-mideast-hrw
November 16, 2010
Human Rights Watch Tuesday urged Middle Eastern states to protect migrant workers after two Sri Lankan maids returned from the region with shocking stories of torture by their employers.
The New York-based rights group said accusations by three Sri Lankan maids that they were forced to swallow nails or had nails driven into their bodies highlighted a broad pattern of abuse of migrant domestic workers.
"The wanton brutality alleged in these cases is shocking, but reports of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and labour exploitation such as non-payment of wages are nothing new," said Nisha Varia, HRW's senior women?s rights researcher.
"The governments of Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia need to show they take such allegations seriously, and create accessible ways for domestic workers to report abuse as soon as it happens."
In August, a Sri Lankan housemaid gained worldwide attention after she complained that her Saudi employer drove 24 nails into her arms, legs and forehead as punishment.
Most of them were removed by surgeons at Sri Lanka's Kamburupitiya hospital.
The Saudi government and private sector officials in Riyadh have questioned the credibility of the woman's allegations.
Surgeons on Monday removed the last five wire nails from another Sri Lankan housemaid who accused her Kuwaiti employer of hammering 14 nails into her body when she asked for her salary after working for six months.
The authorities in Colombo are investigating another claim from a third Sri Lankan maid in Jordan who has alleged that she was forced to swallow six nails when she demanded her salary.
Sri Lanka's Foreign Employment Bureau chief, Kingsley Ranawaka, said they were awaiting a medical report to decide on action regarding the woman who is said to have been admitted to a hospital in Amman.
Some 1.8 million Sri Lankans are employed abroad, of whom 70 percent are women. Most work as housemaids in the Middle East while smaller numbers work in Singapore and Hong Kong, seeking higher salaries than they would get at home.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/206695/nail-torture-shows-maid-abuse-in-mideast-hrw
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Asean ministers meet in Manila to tackle human trafficking
The Philippine Star
October 28, 2010
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
MANILA, Philippines - Ministers of the member states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to discuss the problems of human trafficking, illegal drugs and terrorism in the region.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo welcomed his counterparts from the ASEAN yesterday as he stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation and commitment against these crimes and the other transnational crimes.
Robredo said these issues would be the top agenda of the 10th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC).
“Organized crime groups that are operating across borders are taking advantage of the sophisticated weaponry, modern technologies and telecommunications,” Robredo told the ASEAN delegates during the formal opening ceremony at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City.
Robredo led the Philippine delegation with Undersecretary Rico Puno in the welcoming ceremonies.
Puno, chairman of this year’s SOMTC, explained the ASEAN SOMTC is the operating arm of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMC), the highest policy-making body on ASEAN cooperation in combating transnational crimes.
The SOMTC is instrumental in realizing the recommendations of the Vientiane Action Plan to develop the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism, which has been signed by all ASEAN member countries.
Robredo, on the other hand, told the ASEAN forum that “the sophistication of crime groups should serve as a challenge for the ASEAN to work more closely together for a more comprehensive regional strategy against transnational crimes.”
“Crimes have evolved and taken many forms and these will continue to be an issue for all of us here,” he said.
Robredo said the Philippines was chosen as the Lead Shepherd for Trafficking in Persons (TIP), which has been in the forefront of regional and local actions against trafficking in persons.
Robredo said human trafficking is a significant issue in the Philippines since 2003, which prompted the government to enact Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
The law makes us one of the first countries in Asia to have enacted an anti-trafficking legislation, Robredo pointed out.
Robredo told the forum that the DILG had issued several directives to local government units for the strict implementation of RA 9208 and the establishment of the necessary institutional mechanisms for the protection and support of trafficked persons.
He added the National Police Commission also issued guidelines for improving case management and initiating efforts towards addressing the problem of trafficking in persons.
Participants in the high-level ASEAN meet are senior officials from ASEAN member states of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Representatives from international organizations also attended the forum.
“It is my hope that by the time this meeting comes to a close, we will be in a more strategic position to effectively address new and more sophisticated criminal threats, and closer to our goal of a peaceful and stable ASEAN region,” Robredo said.
This developed as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday said a Filipino was sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
The DFA told presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Vice President Jejomar Binay that the Filipino was sentenced to death last Oct. 11 amid the state prosecutor’s petition for a lower sentence of life imprisonment.
The DFA did not identify the Filipino death convict but revealed she was a drug mule caught carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin at the Audisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta last April 25.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. warned that Indonesia and other countries have imposed stiff penalties on illegal drug possession.
“We warn our countrymen from carrying drugs when traveling overseas and especially not to accept packages which they suspect contain drugs, and also to be wary of the modus operandi being used by drug trafficking syndicates. If they are caught, they will face very dire circumstances,” Conejos said.
The DFA said some 112 Filipino migrant workers are now detained in China facing drug-related cases.
As of Oct. 21, 2010, the DFA said there are 76 Filipinos in China who have been convicted and sentenced to death for drug trafficking.
Of the 112 death penalty cases, 16 are OFWs charged for multiple murder/murder, murder with robbery, blasphemy and drug-related case.
The cases of 18 OFWs in Malaysia who were sentenced to death include drug trafficking, robbery with homicide, rape with homicide and murder.
Conejos said there are already 205 Filipinos facing drug trafficking cases abroad.
Meanwhile, the Blas Ople Policy Center, the Cravings Group and Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. yesterday launched a job training scholarship program for victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
Dubbed as the “Skills-Up” program, the project aims to equip victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking with housekeeping and barista skills to enable them to penetrate the local and overseas job markets.
For its initial phase, the Blas Ople Policy Center has recommended 20 scholars for the training program.
Susan Ople, president of the Blas Ople Policy Center said the 20 scholars, who are victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment, would undergo a three-month course on hotel housekeeping and barista training for free. – With Pia Lee-Brago, Mike Frialde
October 28, 2010
By Cecille Suerte Felipe
MANILA, Philippines - Ministers of the member states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to discuss the problems of human trafficking, illegal drugs and terrorism in the region.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo welcomed his counterparts from the ASEAN yesterday as he stressed the need to strengthen regional cooperation and commitment against these crimes and the other transnational crimes.
Robredo said these issues would be the top agenda of the 10th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC).
“Organized crime groups that are operating across borders are taking advantage of the sophisticated weaponry, modern technologies and telecommunications,” Robredo told the ASEAN delegates during the formal opening ceremony at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City.
Robredo led the Philippine delegation with Undersecretary Rico Puno in the welcoming ceremonies.
Puno, chairman of this year’s SOMTC, explained the ASEAN SOMTC is the operating arm of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMC), the highest policy-making body on ASEAN cooperation in combating transnational crimes.
The SOMTC is instrumental in realizing the recommendations of the Vientiane Action Plan to develop the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism, which has been signed by all ASEAN member countries.
Robredo, on the other hand, told the ASEAN forum that “the sophistication of crime groups should serve as a challenge for the ASEAN to work more closely together for a more comprehensive regional strategy against transnational crimes.”
“Crimes have evolved and taken many forms and these will continue to be an issue for all of us here,” he said.
Robredo said the Philippines was chosen as the Lead Shepherd for Trafficking in Persons (TIP), which has been in the forefront of regional and local actions against trafficking in persons.
Robredo said human trafficking is a significant issue in the Philippines since 2003, which prompted the government to enact Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
The law makes us one of the first countries in Asia to have enacted an anti-trafficking legislation, Robredo pointed out.
Robredo told the forum that the DILG had issued several directives to local government units for the strict implementation of RA 9208 and the establishment of the necessary institutional mechanisms for the protection and support of trafficked persons.
He added the National Police Commission also issued guidelines for improving case management and initiating efforts towards addressing the problem of trafficking in persons.
Participants in the high-level ASEAN meet are senior officials from ASEAN member states of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Representatives from international organizations also attended the forum.
“It is my hope that by the time this meeting comes to a close, we will be in a more strategic position to effectively address new and more sophisticated criminal threats, and closer to our goal of a peaceful and stable ASEAN region,” Robredo said.
This developed as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday said a Filipino was sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
The DFA told presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Vice President Jejomar Binay that the Filipino was sentenced to death last Oct. 11 amid the state prosecutor’s petition for a lower sentence of life imprisonment.
The DFA did not identify the Filipino death convict but revealed she was a drug mule caught carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin at the Audisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta last April 25.
DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Esteban Conejos Jr. warned that Indonesia and other countries have imposed stiff penalties on illegal drug possession.
“We warn our countrymen from carrying drugs when traveling overseas and especially not to accept packages which they suspect contain drugs, and also to be wary of the modus operandi being used by drug trafficking syndicates. If they are caught, they will face very dire circumstances,” Conejos said.
The DFA said some 112 Filipino migrant workers are now detained in China facing drug-related cases.
As of Oct. 21, 2010, the DFA said there are 76 Filipinos in China who have been convicted and sentenced to death for drug trafficking.
Of the 112 death penalty cases, 16 are OFWs charged for multiple murder/murder, murder with robbery, blasphemy and drug-related case.
The cases of 18 OFWs in Malaysia who were sentenced to death include drug trafficking, robbery with homicide, rape with homicide and murder.
Conejos said there are already 205 Filipinos facing drug trafficking cases abroad.
Meanwhile, the Blas Ople Policy Center, the Cravings Group and Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. yesterday launched a job training scholarship program for victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
Dubbed as the “Skills-Up” program, the project aims to equip victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking with housekeeping and barista skills to enable them to penetrate the local and overseas job markets.
For its initial phase, the Blas Ople Policy Center has recommended 20 scholars for the training program.
Susan Ople, president of the Blas Ople Policy Center said the 20 scholars, who are victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment, would undergo a three-month course on hotel housekeeping and barista training for free. – With Pia Lee-Brago, Mike Frialde
Monday, October 18, 2010
Statement Affirming Recent IACAT Anti-Trafficking Efforts
The Philippine Star
October 18, 2010
Human rights agency International Justice Mission (IJM) commends the Philippines Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) on its recent efforts to fight human trafficking in the Philippines.
When IJM offices in the Philippines began collaborating with local law enforcement to combat the trafficking of children into the sex trade in 2003, results were initially slow in coming due to several factors - including corruption and the low priority placed on the issue. Today, IJM is encouraged that the current administration under President Benigno Aquino III has made rooting out corruption and fighting human trafficking top priorities. To those ends, the administration has taken initial steps to eradicate corruption in its anti-trafficking response, starting with the Bureau of Immigration. Secretary of Justice Leila De Lima has promised to prioritize implementation of Republic Act No. 9208, including revitalizing the critical functions of IACAT in monitoring and coordinating efforts of the justice system to secure justice for victims of trafficking and protection for the vulnerable.
“We encourage the Aquino administration to continue to prioritize anti-trafficking efforts, to boldly push forward with aggressive anti-trafficking law enforcement and prosecution, and take strong and swift action against any corruption encountered,” said IJM Field Offfice Director in Cebu Andrey Sawchenko. "IJM condemns political interference in anti-trafficking prosecutions - particularly involving high-level suspects - as this prevents justice from being achieved for past, present and future victims."
In 2010 - for the second year in a row - the Philippines was placed on the “Tier II Watchlist” of the U.S. Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, putting $700 million of U.S. foreign aid in jeopardy if no significant improvement is made to meet international anti-trafficking standards. The efforts of IACAT in monitoring and coordinating the government’s response are of utmost importance to protecting society’s most vulnerable members and in enhancing international perception of the Philippines as a place where traffickers cannot get away with selling children.
IJM would be encouraged to see IACAT and its member agencies launch a strong, clear and continuous mandate for aggressive anti-trafficking action through dedicated, funded law enforcement units, and coordination with the Office of the Supreme Court Administrator to fast-track and closely monitor anti-trafficking prosecutions. Such steps would protect those being victimized today and provide a foundation for long-lasting efforts to eradicate human trafficking in the Philippines.
International Justice Mission is an international human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. In the Philippines, IJM works with the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine National Police and other IACAT member agencies to prosecute traffickers and perpetrators of sexual violence and promote a functioning public justice system.
October 18, 2010
Human rights agency International Justice Mission (IJM) commends the Philippines Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) on its recent efforts to fight human trafficking in the Philippines.
When IJM offices in the Philippines began collaborating with local law enforcement to combat the trafficking of children into the sex trade in 2003, results were initially slow in coming due to several factors - including corruption and the low priority placed on the issue. Today, IJM is encouraged that the current administration under President Benigno Aquino III has made rooting out corruption and fighting human trafficking top priorities. To those ends, the administration has taken initial steps to eradicate corruption in its anti-trafficking response, starting with the Bureau of Immigration. Secretary of Justice Leila De Lima has promised to prioritize implementation of Republic Act No. 9208, including revitalizing the critical functions of IACAT in monitoring and coordinating efforts of the justice system to secure justice for victims of trafficking and protection for the vulnerable.
“We encourage the Aquino administration to continue to prioritize anti-trafficking efforts, to boldly push forward with aggressive anti-trafficking law enforcement and prosecution, and take strong and swift action against any corruption encountered,” said IJM Field Offfice Director in Cebu Andrey Sawchenko. "IJM condemns political interference in anti-trafficking prosecutions - particularly involving high-level suspects - as this prevents justice from being achieved for past, present and future victims."
In 2010 - for the second year in a row - the Philippines was placed on the “Tier II Watchlist” of the U.S. Department of State's annual Trafficking in Persons Report, putting $700 million of U.S. foreign aid in jeopardy if no significant improvement is made to meet international anti-trafficking standards. The efforts of IACAT in monitoring and coordinating the government’s response are of utmost importance to protecting society’s most vulnerable members and in enhancing international perception of the Philippines as a place where traffickers cannot get away with selling children.
IJM would be encouraged to see IACAT and its member agencies launch a strong, clear and continuous mandate for aggressive anti-trafficking action through dedicated, funded law enforcement units, and coordination with the Office of the Supreme Court Administrator to fast-track and closely monitor anti-trafficking prosecutions. Such steps would protect those being victimized today and provide a foundation for long-lasting efforts to eradicate human trafficking in the Philippines.
International Justice Mission is an international human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. In the Philippines, IJM works with the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine National Police and other IACAT member agencies to prosecute traffickers and perpetrators of sexual violence and promote a functioning public justice system.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Nails Removed from tortured Sri Lankan Maid
BBC
August 27, 2010
Doctors have removed 13 nails and five needles from a Sri Lankan housemaid who said her employer in Saudi Arabia hammered them into her body.
LP Ariyawathie, 49, told staff at Kamburupitiya Hospital her employer inflicted the injuries as a punishment.
X-rays showed that there were 24 nails and needles in her body. Doctors said those remaining inside her body posed no immediate threat to her life.
The nails were up to 2in (5cm) long, a hospital official said.
"The surgery is successful and she is recovering now," Dr Satharasinghe said, according to news agency Associated Press.
Ms Ariyawathie, a mother of three, underwent a three-hour procedure.
Doctors said they would carry out further surgery later to remove the remaining nails.
'Deeply traumatised'
Ms Ariyawathie travelled to Saudi Arabia in March to become a housemaid.
Last week, she flew back to Sri Lanka and was admitted to hospital in the south of the island, where she told doctors she had undergone abuse for more than a month.
The doctors found 24 metal pieces in her legs and hands.
She could not sit down or walk properly, doctors said.
They said Ms Ariyawathie was deeply traumatised and unable to give full details of her experience.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities have launched an investigation.
"We have launched a strong protest with the Saudi government through the external affairs minister, but there has been no response yet," Kingsley Ranawaka, chairman of Bureau for Foreign Employment, told the BBC.
Around 1.8 million Sri Lankans are employed abroad, 70% of whom are women.
Most work as housemaids in the Middle East, while smaller numbers work in Singapore and Hong Kong.
August 27, 2010
Doctors have removed 13 nails and five needles from a Sri Lankan housemaid who said her employer in Saudi Arabia hammered them into her body.
LP Ariyawathie, 49, told staff at Kamburupitiya Hospital her employer inflicted the injuries as a punishment.
X-rays showed that there were 24 nails and needles in her body. Doctors said those remaining inside her body posed no immediate threat to her life.
The nails were up to 2in (5cm) long, a hospital official said.
"The surgery is successful and she is recovering now," Dr Satharasinghe said, according to news agency Associated Press.
Ms Ariyawathie, a mother of three, underwent a three-hour procedure.
Doctors said they would carry out further surgery later to remove the remaining nails.
'Deeply traumatised'
Ms Ariyawathie travelled to Saudi Arabia in March to become a housemaid.
Last week, she flew back to Sri Lanka and was admitted to hospital in the south of the island, where she told doctors she had undergone abuse for more than a month.
The doctors found 24 metal pieces in her legs and hands.
She could not sit down or walk properly, doctors said.
They said Ms Ariyawathie was deeply traumatised and unable to give full details of her experience.
Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities have launched an investigation.
"We have launched a strong protest with the Saudi government through the external affairs minister, but there has been no response yet," Kingsley Ranawaka, chairman of Bureau for Foreign Employment, told the BBC.
Around 1.8 million Sri Lankans are employed abroad, 70% of whom are women.
Most work as housemaids in the Middle East, while smaller numbers work in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Maids Abuse Case Hits Saudi Arabia
Aljazeera
August 27, 2010
A Sri Lankan woman working as a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia says she has been severely abused for complaining about being overworked.
LT Ariyawathi's Saudi employers reportedly hammered 24 nails and needles into her hands, legs and forehead, which had to be removed later with surgery.
Sri Lanka's government says it will report the incident to Saudi authorities.
Al Jazeera's Laura Kyle reports on a case that rights organisations say is all too common.
Hussein Shobokshi, a columnist for Asharq Al-Awsat, the pan-Arab daily, told Al Jazeera that this "kind of story triggers the talk and debate to improve labour laws in the country.
"It is an issue that has been discussed for quite some time now through the Sharia Council and Human Rights Commission.
"You will soon see the ministry of labour, the Shariah Council and the Human Rights Commission jointly activate important rules and regulations in order to prevent such incidents from occurring again and punishing people who are responsible for it.
"Nowadays you hear the cases being brought to justice, you hear the issues being put out in the media. This is a novelty; it had not been the case in the past."
August 27, 2010
A Sri Lankan woman working as a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia says she has been severely abused for complaining about being overworked.
LT Ariyawathi's Saudi employers reportedly hammered 24 nails and needles into her hands, legs and forehead, which had to be removed later with surgery.
Sri Lanka's government says it will report the incident to Saudi authorities.
Al Jazeera's Laura Kyle reports on a case that rights organisations say is all too common.
Hussein Shobokshi, a columnist for Asharq Al-Awsat, the pan-Arab daily, told Al Jazeera that this "kind of story triggers the talk and debate to improve labour laws in the country.
"It is an issue that has been discussed for quite some time now through the Sharia Council and Human Rights Commission.
"You will soon see the ministry of labour, the Shariah Council and the Human Rights Commission jointly activate important rules and regulations in order to prevent such incidents from occurring again and punishing people who are responsible for it.
"Nowadays you hear the cases being brought to justice, you hear the issues being put out in the media. This is a novelty; it had not been the case in the past."
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Docs remove nails, needles from allegedly abused maid
MSNBC.com
June 27, 2010
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Doctors removed 13 nails and five needles from a Sri Lankan maid who says the couple she worked for in Saudi Arabia hammered them into her body.
L.G. Ariyawathi, who was hospitalized with severe pain after returning Saturday from Saudi Arabia, has said the family she worked for punished her by heating the nails and needles before sticking them into her.
X-rays showed that she had 24 nails and needles in her body, said Dr. Keerthi Satharasinghe of Kamburupitiya hospital, about 100 miles from the capital, Colombo.
The nails ranged in length from one to two inches while the needles were about one inch long. They were removed from her legs and forehead.
"The surgery is successful and she is recovering now," Satharasinghe said after the three-hour procedure.
Satharasinghe said Thursday that the woman's initial puncture wounds had healed over, but that Ariyawathi found it difficult to walk because she had two nails in her knee and two in her ankles.
Another needle was in her forehead, and the rest in her hands, he said Thursday.
After her surgery, the doctor said six needles in her hands could not be removed because the operation might damage her nerves and arteries, but that they would not be harmful to her.
'They did not allow me even to rest'
Since being hospitalized, Ariyawathi, 49, has described the alleged abuse carried out by her former employers.
"They did not allow me even to rest. The woman at the house had heated the nails and then the man inserted them into my body," Ariyawathi was quoted as saying by the Lakbima newspaper.
She told the newspaper that she went to Saudi Arabia in March but was paid only two months' salary, with her employer withholding the rest to buy an air ticket to send her home.
Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, deputy minister of economic development, said in a statement on a government website Thursday that the 24 nails were "inside the body due to torture meted out by her Saudi employer."
Abeywardena said the government would "report about this matter to the Saudi Government and provide her adequate compensation."
Sri Lanka's Foreign Employment Bureau said Ariyawathi had been too afraid to complain about the abuse to Saudi authorities, fearing that her employers might not let her return home.
The bureau is a government agency that oversees the welfare of expatriate workers.
Kingsley Ranawaka, chairman of bureau, told the BBC that the government has " launched a strong protest with the Saudi government through the external affairs minister, but there has been no response yet."
'They have to take action'
Nimal Ranawaka, labor counselor at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, said the embassy had requested a meeting with Saudi officials.
"We informed Saudi authorities. They have to take action against the employer," Ranawaka said.
Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment.
This "kind of story triggers the talk and debate to improve labor laws in the country," Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper columnist Hussein Shobokshi told Al Jazeera. He added that the issue has been a topic of discussion for "quite some time now."
"You will soon see the ministry of labor, the Shariah Council and the Human Rights Commission jointly activate important rules and regulations in order to prevent such incidents from occurring again and punishing people who are responsible for it," the Al Jazeera report quoted Shobokshi as saying.
About 1.5 million Sri Lankans work abroad, many as maids or drivers, to earn more than they can in their own impoverished country. Nearly 400,000 work in Saudi Arabia alone.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38879983/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/
June 27, 2010
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Doctors removed 13 nails and five needles from a Sri Lankan maid who says the couple she worked for in Saudi Arabia hammered them into her body.
L.G. Ariyawathi, who was hospitalized with severe pain after returning Saturday from Saudi Arabia, has said the family she worked for punished her by heating the nails and needles before sticking them into her.
X-rays showed that she had 24 nails and needles in her body, said Dr. Keerthi Satharasinghe of Kamburupitiya hospital, about 100 miles from the capital, Colombo.
The nails ranged in length from one to two inches while the needles were about one inch long. They were removed from her legs and forehead.
"The surgery is successful and she is recovering now," Satharasinghe said after the three-hour procedure.
Satharasinghe said Thursday that the woman's initial puncture wounds had healed over, but that Ariyawathi found it difficult to walk because she had two nails in her knee and two in her ankles.
Another needle was in her forehead, and the rest in her hands, he said Thursday.
After her surgery, the doctor said six needles in her hands could not be removed because the operation might damage her nerves and arteries, but that they would not be harmful to her.
'They did not allow me even to rest'
Since being hospitalized, Ariyawathi, 49, has described the alleged abuse carried out by her former employers.
"They did not allow me even to rest. The woman at the house had heated the nails and then the man inserted them into my body," Ariyawathi was quoted as saying by the Lakbima newspaper.
She told the newspaper that she went to Saudi Arabia in March but was paid only two months' salary, with her employer withholding the rest to buy an air ticket to send her home.
Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, deputy minister of economic development, said in a statement on a government website Thursday that the 24 nails were "inside the body due to torture meted out by her Saudi employer."
Abeywardena said the government would "report about this matter to the Saudi Government and provide her adequate compensation."
Sri Lanka's Foreign Employment Bureau said Ariyawathi had been too afraid to complain about the abuse to Saudi authorities, fearing that her employers might not let her return home.
The bureau is a government agency that oversees the welfare of expatriate workers.
Kingsley Ranawaka, chairman of bureau, told the BBC that the government has " launched a strong protest with the Saudi government through the external affairs minister, but there has been no response yet."
'They have to take action'
Nimal Ranawaka, labor counselor at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh, said the embassy had requested a meeting with Saudi officials.
"We informed Saudi authorities. They have to take action against the employer," Ranawaka said.
Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment.
This "kind of story triggers the talk and debate to improve labor laws in the country," Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper columnist Hussein Shobokshi told Al Jazeera. He added that the issue has been a topic of discussion for "quite some time now."
"You will soon see the ministry of labor, the Shariah Council and the Human Rights Commission jointly activate important rules and regulations in order to prevent such incidents from occurring again and punishing people who are responsible for it," the Al Jazeera report quoted Shobokshi as saying.
About 1.5 million Sri Lankans work abroad, many as maids or drivers, to earn more than they can in their own impoverished country. Nearly 400,000 work in Saudi Arabia alone.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38879983/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/
Monday, June 7, 2010
Court issues new arrest warrant vs Tanenglian, family (The Philippine Star)
A Quezon City judge has issued a new warrant of arrest and hold departure order against Mariano Tanenglian and his family due to criminal charges filed against them by a former maid.
Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 102 Judge Ma. Lourdes Giron issued a seven-page order after finding probable cause for violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law (RA 7610) in five cases pending against Mariano, his wife Aleta, and children Fayette and Maximilian.
Giron set bail at P80,000 for each count of the charges against the Tanenglians by their former housemaid, Mary Jane Sollano.
Giron, however, cleared the Tanenglians of charges for alleged violation of the Anti-Trafficking of Persons and for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, both unbailable offenses.
The judge said the complainant was not forced to render service to the accused since the complainant was first recruited by an employment agency and later deployed to the Tanenglian household.
Giron also said there was no illegal detention because it was necessary for the maid to stay at the house of the accused.
Quezon City RTC Branch 94 Judge Roslyn Rabara-Tria also issued a warrant of arrest and directed the issuance of an HDO against the Tanenglians in connection with similar charges filed earlier by Aljane Bacanto, another former maid of the Tanenglians.
The Tanenglians also have pending cases before Branch 94 for nine counts of violating RA 7610, Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act), kidnapping, and serious illegal detention.
Members of the women’s group Gabriela attended the hearing in a show of support. Lana Linagan, Gabriela secretary general, said they hope the arrest warrants are served to show that justice does not discriminate between the poor and the rich.
The parents of the two maids, who were present at the hearing, said they would pursue the separate cases of their children and would not accept any settlement if any was offered.
Lawyers of both parties declined to comment citing the confidential nature of Family Court proceedings. Both Branch 102 and 94 are Family Courts.
Source:
Jerry Botial, The Philippine Star
June 05, 2010
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=581383&publicationSubCategoryId=65
Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 102 Judge Ma. Lourdes Giron issued a seven-page order after finding probable cause for violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law (RA 7610) in five cases pending against Mariano, his wife Aleta, and children Fayette and Maximilian.
Giron set bail at P80,000 for each count of the charges against the Tanenglians by their former housemaid, Mary Jane Sollano.
Giron, however, cleared the Tanenglians of charges for alleged violation of the Anti-Trafficking of Persons and for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, both unbailable offenses.
The judge said the complainant was not forced to render service to the accused since the complainant was first recruited by an employment agency and later deployed to the Tanenglian household.
Giron also said there was no illegal detention because it was necessary for the maid to stay at the house of the accused.
Quezon City RTC Branch 94 Judge Roslyn Rabara-Tria also issued a warrant of arrest and directed the issuance of an HDO against the Tanenglians in connection with similar charges filed earlier by Aljane Bacanto, another former maid of the Tanenglians.
The Tanenglians also have pending cases before Branch 94 for nine counts of violating RA 7610, Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act), kidnapping, and serious illegal detention.
Members of the women’s group Gabriela attended the hearing in a show of support. Lana Linagan, Gabriela secretary general, said they hope the arrest warrants are served to show that justice does not discriminate between the poor and the rich.
The parents of the two maids, who were present at the hearing, said they would pursue the separate cases of their children and would not accept any settlement if any was offered.
Lawyers of both parties declined to comment citing the confidential nature of Family Court proceedings. Both Branch 102 and 94 are Family Courts.
Source:
Jerry Botial, The Philippine Star
June 05, 2010
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=581383&publicationSubCategoryId=65
Taipan’s brother gets another arrest warrant (Manila Standard Today)
Mariano Tanenglian—-taipan Lucio Tan’s brother—-again faces arrest over criminal charges filed by another former maid.
In an order dated May 18, 2010, Branch 102 Judge Ma. Lourdes Giron of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court also directed the issuance of a hold departure order on him, wife Aleta along with children Fayette and Maximilian for violation on five counts of the Anti-Child Abuse law.
“Allegations in the affidavit of the private complainant would reveal that there is more of an abuse or maltreatment committed by the accused,” the court ruled.
A bail of P80,000 was set for each of the charges filed against the Tanenglians by former maid Mary Jane Sollano for maltreatment.
But Giron has cleared them of violating the Anti-Trafficking of Persons law, and for kidnapping and serious illegal detention which are unbailable.
She found no showing of involuntary servitude because Sillano was recruited by an employment agency which placed her in the Tanenglian household.
Last May 4, QC RTC Branch 94 Judge Roslyn Rabara-Tria issued a warrant of arrest and hold order against the accused on similar charges filed by former maid Aljane Bacanto.
A women’s advocacy group led by Grabriela secretary general Lana Linagan attended Friday’s hearing on the accused’s motion to quash.
“We hope that the warrants of arrest would be eventually served to show that justice does not discriminate between the poor and the rich,” she said, urging lawmakers to pass a measure affording better protection for household service providers.
Also at the hearing were the maids’ parents who vowed to pursue the separate cases of their children and reject any settlement, if offered.
Lawyers of both parties, refused to make any comment, citing the confidentiality of Family Court proceedings.
Complainant Bacanto was represented by counsel Al Parreno with lawyer Jose Flaminiano for the Tanenglians.
In her complaint filed before the Department of Justice, Bacanto said from the time she was hired in May 2006, the accused restricted her to the residence. She was also not given enough food and her salary remained unpaid.
Source:
Roy Pelovello, Manila Standard Today
June 5 - 6, 2010
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/june/5/metro2.isx&d=2010/june/5
In an order dated May 18, 2010, Branch 102 Judge Ma. Lourdes Giron of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court also directed the issuance of a hold departure order on him, wife Aleta along with children Fayette and Maximilian for violation on five counts of the Anti-Child Abuse law.
“Allegations in the affidavit of the private complainant would reveal that there is more of an abuse or maltreatment committed by the accused,” the court ruled.
A bail of P80,000 was set for each of the charges filed against the Tanenglians by former maid Mary Jane Sollano for maltreatment.
But Giron has cleared them of violating the Anti-Trafficking of Persons law, and for kidnapping and serious illegal detention which are unbailable.
She found no showing of involuntary servitude because Sillano was recruited by an employment agency which placed her in the Tanenglian household.
Last May 4, QC RTC Branch 94 Judge Roslyn Rabara-Tria issued a warrant of arrest and hold order against the accused on similar charges filed by former maid Aljane Bacanto.
A women’s advocacy group led by Grabriela secretary general Lana Linagan attended Friday’s hearing on the accused’s motion to quash.
“We hope that the warrants of arrest would be eventually served to show that justice does not discriminate between the poor and the rich,” she said, urging lawmakers to pass a measure affording better protection for household service providers.
Also at the hearing were the maids’ parents who vowed to pursue the separate cases of their children and reject any settlement, if offered.
Lawyers of both parties, refused to make any comment, citing the confidentiality of Family Court proceedings.
Complainant Bacanto was represented by counsel Al Parreno with lawyer Jose Flaminiano for the Tanenglians.
In her complaint filed before the Department of Justice, Bacanto said from the time she was hired in May 2006, the accused restricted her to the residence. She was also not given enough food and her salary remained unpaid.
Source:
Roy Pelovello, Manila Standard Today
June 5 - 6, 2010
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=2010/june/5/metro2.isx&d=2010/june/5