Osmeña warns Cebuanos on risk of overseas work

After the unfortunate fate of five female Cebuanos in Malaysia, Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday warned Cebuanos of the risks in being easily lured by recruiters to work overseas.

Osmeña said with the price of international air fares going low these days, many are tempted to venture into working abroad, like the case of the five female Cebuanos who are now facing diplomatic proceedings in Malaysia for them to return home.

Last month, the five women were reported to have gone into hiding after they escaped from their employer whom they alleged to have forced them into being guest relation officers in a bar.

Osmeña said Cebu Pacific has already agreed to transport the women from Malaysia back to the Philippines. However, they need to seek an exit pass from the Malaysian government.

Osmeña said he himself would be shelling out a certain amount to help the women revive their lives once they are back, adding that three more Cebuanos are in a similar situation although the details remain sketchy.

He is concerned that unscrupulous recruiters would take advantage of the low international airfares to lure Cebuanos to work abroad. "You should be very cautious...you should not be lured."

The city's social welfare services have been tasked to look into the situation of the five Cebuanos and undertake measures to prevent a similar situation from happening again.

The five were identified as Grace Gabatu, Michelle Redelusa, Cheryl Trucio, Rona Adrian Bless Pangga and Precious Adel Hermias, all from Cebu City.

It was Hermias' aunt Nelia who sought the help of broadcaster Bobby Nalzaro on the women's situation. Reports had it that a Filipino has been taking care of the women after their employer alerted authorities and declared them as wanted persons in the area.

Nelia said a certain Roselyn Entrera recruited the girls last month with a promise to give them work as singers in Malaysia. They went to Miri City through a connecting flight via Kota Kinabalu.

However, when they reached Miri City, their employer reportedly forced them to work as guest relation officers in a bar, and would not pay them if they would not drink with the male customers. - Joeberth M. Ocao/LPM