MANILA, Philippines - Three Filipinas were rescued from a prostitution den in Malaysia after the Overseas Filipino Worker Helpline, a program initiated by Sen. Manny Villar, acted on a plea to help a distressed overseas Filipino worker.
A report from Villar’s office showed that the victims — all aged 29, arrived in Manila on Feb. 21 after officials of the Philippine embassy in Kuala Lumpur with the help of Malaysian authorities rescued them from a house in Kuching where they were locked up.
“The repatriation of three of our kababayan is a victory brought about by the cooperation of government agencies. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa tulong ng embahada sa Kuala Lumpur at Malaysian authorities sa maagap nilang pagtugon sa ating panawagan sa pamamagitan ng OFW Helpline. Kung natagalan pa sila doon, baka lalo silang napahamak,” Villar said.
The three Pinays met with Villar Monday and thanked him for the Helpline’s assistance in their early repatriation.
Villar expressed dismay over the continued operation of human traffickers in the country despite the enactment of RA 9283 or the Anti-trafficking in Persons Act. “I urge concerned authorities to go after these illegal recruiters and human traffickers and make sure that they will be dealt with the full force of the law,” the former Senate president said.
Prior to the rescue, embassy officials received a communication from Villar’s OFW Helpline 09174226800 requesting assistance for the repatriation of one of the three Pinays named only as Grace, a native of Cabanatuan . Grace was allegedly forced to use illegal drugs and maltreated in Malaysia . When the officials located Grace (not her real name) in a house in Kuching, Malaysia, they also rescued two Filipinas identified only as Evelyn of Pangasinan and Rhea of Antipolo.
Grace, who used to work in Japan as a singer, narrated that a recruiter in Cabanatuan offered her a singing job in Malaysia that will pay P250 per hour. Recalling her ordeal, Grace said she was forced to use cocaine and marijuana while entertaining customers who are also using drugs.