Lawmaker seeks probe into plight of 23 OFWs

Cebu fifth district Representative Ramon “Red” Durano VI yesterday filed House Resolution Number 846 calling for the committees on overseas workers affairs and labor and employment to investigate the plight of 23 Cebuano workers who were recently detained in Trinidad and Tobago.

Durano said the workers, who were detained in that country for a month, were subjected to appalling conditions and were accused of committing unlawful acts.

The workers, Durano said, were recruited through the Be Glad Worldwide Placement Agency and were contracted with the Multitask Co. Limited, their supposed principal employer in Trinidad and Tobago.

While being in Trinidad and Tobago, the workers reportedly worked under a new company, Environment Co. Ltd., where they appeared to be victims of illegal recruitment.

“There is a need to assert our dignity and look into why said workers were subjected to such an ordeal and illegal recruitment appear to have succeeded in this case despite the supposed stringent measures mandated by law and despite various agencies tasked to prevent illegal recruitment,” Durano’s resolution reads.

Durano said the government should look into the circumstances that lead to the imprisonment of those workers in Trinidad and Tobago.

He said the government should exert more effort to help those who are distressed and languishing in jail abroad because they are contributing to the coffers of the country.

The 23 Cebuanos had arrived in Cebu last week after the Cebu provincial government shouldered their P1.8 million air fare, as they have no money to pay for their travel expenses. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM (THE FREEMAN)