EDITORIAL - Opportunity in conflict

Before we see a stampede for Iraq among Filipinos seeking jobs overseas, the government better make sure only reputable recruiters are promising employment in the war-torn country. Filipinos see opportunity in conflict, and know that security risks in Iraq mean salaries that are even higher than in other parts of the Middle East. Such workers are vulnerable to charlatans who are merely after fat recruitment fees. These illegal recruiters thrive in chaotic situations, and Filipinos desperate for a job are easy prey.

It may be tempting to simply tell prospective workers that they should go to Iraq at their own risk. After all, despite continuing violence in that country, members of the Philippine humanitarian contingent refuse to leave, and Filipinos from all over the Middle East keep streaming into military camps, oil fields and construction sites in Iraq, looking for higher paying jobs.

But the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. The government must not only watch out for illegal recruiters who will prey on eager job applicants, but also give prospective workers a clear picture of the dangers in store for them.

With the Americans handing over power to Iraqis in their own country, there is optimism that economic reco-very will start and even more job opportunities will open. Manila has lifted its deployment ban, and an initial batch of 400 workers will soon leave for Iraq. Yet despite the guarded optimism, Iraq remains one of the most dangerous places in the world, and will be for a long time. Militants who fought the US-led coalition and who are now battling their government make no distinction between locals and foreigners when launching deadly attacks.

Several Filipinos have already died in such attacks, prompting some wor-kers to return to the Philippines. But for every returning overseas Filipino worker, there must be at least 10 others raring to try their luck in Iraq. They all need protection, not just from the bullets and bombs in Iraq, but also from the vultures that prey on those who are simply dreaming of a decent job.